Myvatn

The beautifull lake Myvatn you can find in the North of Iceland. It’s one of the most popular areas in Iceland. From here you can make hiking tours or observe the birds. You should make a stop on the little sister of the Blue Lagoon, too. Because in Myvatn there is a little lagoon from which you can see the lake Myvatn.

rental car and bus

You have some possibilities to travel in Iceland.

rental car

A lot of different suppliers have their counter directly at the airport. To travel by the hired car is the best possibility to explore Iceland on own initiative. We were on the move up to now with three different suppliers and every time everything was ok.

For a tour on the ring road a small car as for example Toyota Yaris is sufficient for 2 people completely. If you also like to drive sometimes 3-figure streets or even which are marked with a “F” (highland) then you should rent a cross-country vehicle. Don’t drive with a little city car in the highland! The highland is to be recommended anyhow only for people with experience or one immediately books a trip with an Icelandic guide. I hold this for the best variation, because the highland has his malices and every year regularly tourists must be rescued.

Procar (http://www.procar.is)

We had this hired car company for our short trip to Iceland in March, 2010. We were fetched at the airport and were brought to the hired car station approx. 3 km away. Then there our car was also ready immediately. Instead of standing in a long queue at the airport directly before one of many hired car counters, we were already 10 minutes after fetching on tour. Went very fast, very friendly people, the winding up were without problems. The car was returned, while we put down it on the given parking bay directly at the airport and deposited the key in the glove compartment. A little bit strangely for Germans, but also again typically for Icelanders. I have liked it, the car was good and everything ran without problems. We also did not have to pay any more, because on account of the volcano eruption we had the car half a day longer.

Europcar / Bílaleiga Akureyrar

The hired car had been booked by the travel agency, here we had a complete package flight/summerhouse/rentalcar. We get a relatively new and good car. The winding up was direct at the airport. A little bit bewilderingly was the return, but everything was so far ok. Because we specially had not booked the hired car, I can say nothing about the prices.

Hertz (http://www.hertz.com)

In 2008 we had this supplier, again in a complete travel package. The Toyota had just 3000 km and stood there like a new carriage. The winding up also also ran without problems, return. To put out nothing and the car was real top.

Beside three abovementioned ones there are even other hired car suppliers in Iceland. It is best here, simply to begin with on the Internet prices and achievements compare, because often there are with the assurance differences.

bus

I have only seen many bus but however, have never gone with it. From Keflavik a Flybus goes to every landing directly to Reykjavik. Moreover, the bus net is well developed just in summer. Nevertheless, in some remote areas as for example west fjords one must better plan, because here every day a bus does not go. Also in the highland the bus go and are ideal if one liked to walk, e.g.

On the following sides one can find out more about it:

http://www.nat.is

http://www.trex.is
http://www. bsi.is
http://www.re.is

Flight

Depending on it is obvious to use the domestic flights for a day trip or similar. Thus one can fly, e.g., from the domestic airport of Reykjavik to Akureyri in the north.

Air Iceland and Eagle air fly to different places of Iceland.

http://www.airiceland.is
http://www.ernir.is

Fähre:

http://www.nat.is

arrival

You have two possibilities for traveling to Iceland: plane or ferry.

Plane

We traveled to Iceland only with the Icelandair (www.icelandair.com) and so we can’t give you a judgement for the other airlines. But there is the cheaper airline  IcelandExpress (www.icelandexpress.com), too. In summer you can fly with a few other airlines to Iceland.

Icelandair is a very nice and good airline. They have not so big planes, but the service is good, the people are friendly and the mostly on time. And if you book the flight early, they can offer you a good price.

The Icelandair has good packages, expecialls in spring and autumn. We were in Iceland for 3 days in March for example with a offer of Icelandair. Flight and Hotel for 350 Euro. And it was very good and very nice. So have a look on the homepage of Icelandair if you want to go for a short trip to see Reykjavik for example.

Ferry:

Because of we didn’t use the ferry, I will give you the homepage of the ferry: http://www.smyril-line.com/

accomodation

Sometimes people ask me for a information about the accomodation in Iceland and which hotels and farms we can recommend. So for this reason here I inform you now about some accomodations and give you home pages for more informations. Please note that I only judge a accomodation which we have tested by ourself.

Hotels:

If you visit Iceland in summer, than a good and low cost accomodation are the “Edda-Hotels”. This hotels are boarding schools in winter and hotels in summer. So the rooms are very simple but clean and cheap. There you can found rooms or bag accomodations, too. Always with breakfast. http://www.hoteledda.is/en

Edda Hotel Egilstadir (Menntaskolinn Egilstadir)
This hotel is in east Iceland in Egilstadir across from a swiming pool. It is very nice with a restaurant, lounge, internet and clean and nice rooms.

Edda Hotel Laugarvatn
This hotel is in south west of Iceland near the geysir and waterfall Gulfoss. It is next to the nice lake Laugarvatn and cheap and clean, too. The swiming pool with a few hot pot is near this hotel. A good start for trips to Geysir and Gulfoss or South Iceland.

Kea Hotel Bjork
This hotel is in the center of Reykjavik. You can walk to the old town of Reykjavik with the famous shopping miles. It has good and nice rooms, the breakfast is very good and you have free internet and the reciption is 24 h open. The hotel is ideal for people who make a short travel trip to Reykjavik because from here you can start to a trip in the city or Blue Lagoon, Akranes, Thinvellir or so on.  http://www.keahotels.is/Hotel-Bjork

Hotel Loftleidir
This hotel has 4 stars and offer you more comfort than the Edda Hotels or another low price hotel. It is next to the airport of Reykjavik and the sightseein Perlan. You can drive in 5 minutes to the city or can use the free Shuttle bus. The hotel has very nice rooms, a lounge, restaurant and bar and a little pool and sauna. The breakfast is very good and the employees are very friendly. You can drive with the Reykjavik Excursion for day trips or fly with the Airline to Akureyri in the north of Iceland. We can recommend you this hotel absolutly.  http://www.icelandairhotels.com/home/Hotels/HotelLoftleidir/Overview/

Farmhotel Höfdabrekka
Especially Steffen find this one very good. It lies not far from Vik, the most southern town from Iceland and has room in different categories. Our room was big and spacious, moreover, it is extremely quiet by the subdivision of the hotel in several company blocks and is pleasant. The highlight of this hotel are, nevertheless, 4 hot pot which are accessible the whole day to every hotel guest. We can only recommend this hotel, we have liked it there really and the staff was also very nice.  http://www.hofdabrekka.is/

Another hotel chain are the Fosshotel, but we haven’t used this hotels up to now. http://www.fosshotel.is/en/index.php

Farm holiday

On this page http://www.farmholidays.is/ you can find a good overview of the farm holiday in Iceland. This possibility of accomodation is very good and we can recommendable. Because you are often meet the Icelandic people from the farm, can talk with them and often the offer you riding tours. The farms are often in the nature and you can enjoy this living way.

Farm Brekkulaekur
Here we were in 2008 and this farm house I can recommend only most warmly. It lies in the nature near Hvammstangi  and is to be reached only by a grit runway. The family is very nice and friendly, moreover, one finds there mostly in German speaking people. We had a nice evening and a nice conversation with the farmer who was able to do also some words German. Here riding tours of several days are also offered and are to be recommended very much. An absolute confidential tip. http://www.farmholidays.is/FarmDetails/260/brekkulaekur-i-midfirdi

Farm Brunnholl
This farm company house lies next to Höfn, in the southeast of Iceland. Not far from the glacier area are removed here milk cows held. About a camera pictures from the stable will transfer directly into the television of the single rooms, in the morning, moreover, children can help in the milking. Two dogs welcome the guests as friendly as the farmer themselves. The company house has nice, spacious rooms and living-room furniture to stays. Cleanly and absolutely recommendable. http://www.farmholidays.is/FarmDetails/590/brunnholl-a-myrum

Farm Fossholl
This house lies directly beside a small camp site and the nice waterfall Godafoss in the north of Iceland. From here you can make really good excursions to Husavik, Myvatn, Akureyri etc. The house exists of a big timber house and also the rooms are completely equipped with wood. One can have breakfast in the restaurant next door where also the adoption is for the company house. You cannot miss this location, because it lies directly on the ring road and the yellow wood shines wide.  In the evening the prices in the restaurant are quite expensive, nevertheless, otherwise the company house was very earthy and fully in order. http://www.farmholidays.is/FarmDetails/403/fossholl-i-bardardal

Summerhouse / Cottage

A very good possibility to make  vacation if one liked to supply himself rather and, moreover, a certain area closer explore, are summer cottages. There is this particularly in the south of Iceland and in the north with Husavik. There are also these houses in every size and every price range. From two rooms of small houses  to a house for 12 people, from sporadically to luxury one finds in Iceland all variations. Since most Icelanders make built house to vacation in theirs often even and rent this, provided that they do not take themselves vacation. Therefore, many houses are also furnished very individually by the single owners. On this sites you can find informations about summer cottages and can also book one: http://www.viator.is/ http://www.visiticeland.com/

summer cottage Óskasteinn

This house lies in a big holiday-home area between Selfoss and Geysir/Gulfoss. Not far from the lake Thingvallavatn and the known place of interest Thingvellir absolute rest rules in this area. The house was really perfect and furnished affectionately with a lot of wood. Moreover, a big gas grill, complete interior arrangement (also pots etc.) were available. Because we were in October there, quite cold temperatures ruled and we often warmed up to us in the evening after a day tour in the spacious and nicely warm Hot pot of the house. The patio is very big and garden pieces of furniture are also available here. A supernice house in which one could stand it absolutely some weeks. Selfoss and therefore the next shopping possibility is 17 km away.

The house covered his warmth and complete energy from a geothermal power station.

Camping

Informations about camping you can find for example on this site: http://www.visiticeland.com/Accommodation/Camping/

Iceland - March 2010 - Part 3

On the last day we planned to explore the old town of Reykjavik. And there we see a lot, again, from the people to the nice, coloured houses which I love so much. We parked in the old harbour (very much to recommend) and ran in in the centre of the old town. First we made an excursion to the town lake Tjörnin. And here a huge noise already announced it: More than 300 song swans were in the small town lake and can be fed together with numerous mallards and greylag geese by the Icelanders. We were not astonished first of all badly, because so many water birds on a spot I had seen rare.
The ducks and greylag geese completely walked without shyness between the people and called her bread. A man fed a swan from the hand.
We just stood there for a while and observed many birds and the happy people who gave bread to the animals.
Then we walked further up to the known shopping mile Laugavegur and then bent from up to the church Hallgrimskirka. This impressive church contain a gigantic organ which I have liked especially well. Moreover, one can find out about the history of the church and drive the tower up with the lift against a small fee.
Again over a byroad down we returned to the shopping mile. Here we ate in a nice bar and discovered a really orginelles court (unfortunately, we have taken no photo). Soup in bread. Sounds first of all absolutely insignificant and that the Icelanders eat everywhere soup, was known to us already well. But here a loaf of bread was really served in very round form. If one took the lid, in the holed loaf of bread was the soup. First we thought that the bread will be soaked through but this doesn’t happen. At the next table they spooned with relish the soup, ate the bread bit by bit on the edge from without some soak of trough or flowed out. A very nice and astonishing invention.
After I had bought towards still the tasty yoghurt Skyr in the bonus, we went shopping. Final result was an Icelandic flag, two T-shirts, two soft toys (a puffin and a polar bear), two sweaters for Steffen of 66 North and for me also a sweater of 66 North.

Now a little bit created and tiredly from many running and many new impressions we went to the blue lagoon where we relaxed the complete afternoon in the 40 degrees of warm water.
In the evening then we went again back to Reykjavik and how is proper for a visit in Iceland, we wanted to eat for the end over again a Burger. These hamburgers are not to be compared to those of Mc Donalds or Burger King. They are prepared really freshly, the meat exists of freshly made mince and also in the size these Burger clearly differ from the burger we known.
Unfortunately, had not opened the small, nice burger hut in the harbour any more, but the Burger with another booth have well tasted, nevertheless.

Departure day:

At night at 3 o’clock there rang the alarm clock. At half past seven went our airplan and one needs from Keflavik in the centre of the capital a good hour journey. So we wanted to be on time there and tormented ourselves a little bit hit from the beds.
Then below in the adoption the nice Icelander explained to us that all flights of the Icelandair are cancelt. The reason: Volcano eruption. In the south of Iceland, in the glacier Eyjafjallajökul a volcano had broken out at night and the cinder cloud reached to 1 km in the sky. On account of that all flights were for safety reasons first of all gecancelt.
At 9 o’clock there was the next information.  Then on time at 9 o’clock there was the next information: Start at 11 o’clock.
Now, nevertheless, a little hectic rush broke out, we shot in the car and went in the direction of airport. In the last filling station we had some problems with refuelling once more, however, created it and reached the airport at 10 o’clock. After we had reinsured ourselves the day before with procoach over again, we parked the car as agreed at the airport and left it open with key in the glove compartment.
Then we checked in before the big chaos began. Since many people from our hotel who had also booked the same package like us died everybody only by the coach 10:30 o’clock and even later in. Therefore, very fast time of 11:00 o’clock was shifted the Boarding to 11:30 o’clock. Though at the airport was wrong a lot, but the complete chaos was missing. Probably on account of that which had informed the Icelandair the hotel and the news service on time.
Absolutely quietly and casually there stood the Icelandic staff at the airport, checked in many people and made the security cheque. One clearly felt that the Icelanders can be impressed by a volcano eruption not really.
Finally, at 12:15 o’clock we started and flew first of all in the deep flight on the sea to fly through under the cinder cloud. However, the deep flight was with some turbulence, but the remaining flight was peaceful.
At the airport in Frankfurt with 5 hours of delay landed we caught our luggage and waited for the shuttle which should bring us again to the car. The same man like the last year fetched us, asked for the flight and meant: “We have worried to ourselves already about you.”, I found this then also very nice.
Because we had booked the parking bay only till 12 o’clock, we did not know whether we still had to pay half a day. But no such thing was. As already with procoach we had to pay for the delay generally nothing.

Iceland - March 2010 - Part 2

The day began with cloudless sky and sunshine. We had slept on the beds very well and thus we proceeded well recovered and slept off to the breakfast refreshment bar. Beside cheese, sausage, muesli, fruit, vegetables, bread, toast and biscuits there was also small sausage, eggs, beans and other delicacies. So everything what desires the heart. I can really recommend to all the in Icelandic sandwich bread, often also as a wholemeal bread. Much better than our German toast tastes it.
Then at 11 o’clock we started to Thingvellir. In addition we drove on the ring road first of all a piece to the north direction Akureyri.
And very fast, after we had the active activity in Reykjavik behind ourselves, we found out Iceland again in his so wonderful kind. Strong colours of the nature, unbelievable width and only seldom cars on the streets. Shortly before Thingvellir we stoped on a parking bay in which one could enquire on big boards about the area. And: absolut silence. Not to compare with Germany. Even in the wood it still is too loudly. Here one heard only his blood rushing in the ears and the gentle wind breeze. A silence which many people do not manage, however, we enjoyed it.
On the edge of the Thingvellir national park we stopped first of all in a small bistro and bought something to drinking. Also here travellers can find out some informations about the area on the basis of data and maps.

In the a little bit hidden waterfall we made the first hold and spent there more than 1 hour. Just are astonished, to the water masses listen in and feel the energy of the nature. Also here we had again sunshine, pleasant temperatures and above all: No human soul except us. Only when we proceeded again on the way to the car, we bumped into person.
Not far from the waterfall remotely we stopped once more and now walked in there where one could see the continental records. At this important place not only public gatherings were held, but also were directed. Signs with historical data explain very well into Icelandic and English most important from the first sight. An impressive place, situated in the wonderful, big lake Thingvallavatn.

Then we went on the street 36 of wide direction Selfoss, past the holiday-home area of the last year. In hope to see again two sweet horses of the last year we turned in a small street after “borer fur”. Unfortunately, the horses were not there, however, we found on on the street 35 direction Selfoss a big herd with some mares and one-year-old foals. These came immediately here galloped and cuddled hard us. This was for me personally again one of the nicest and beeindruckensten moments in Iceland. These wonderful beings with her so wild and at the same time meek eyes travel me over and over again from the normal life.
Along Selfoss we went on 34 further in the small place Eyrarbrakki directly by the sea. Also here we had already made the last year hold. Once more we enjoyed the coloured, small small houses. Icelanders really have courage to the colour and decorate her houses very often with roofs in strong colours and also the outside colour is often well formed in colour.
Then we still stopped in Porlakshöfn. From here the ferry starts to the west man’s islands. Because it was very windy, nevertheless, in the meantime, and cold, we rested only briefly and went about a small passport back to Reykjavik.

Kap Dyrholaey

Near Vik you can stand on an location face to face wit the sea. With blustering noise and rushing bangs  the Atlantic on Iceland. Here nesting many sea birds, among the rest, the so popular and sweet puffins. An ideal place to feel the strength of the nature and to enjoy.

Iceland - March 2010 - Part 1

After our guinea pigs stayed by my parents, we drove on Steffens birthday at 9 o’clock on time  to Frankfurt. On account of the good experience we also brought  the car to Airportparker. From here we were driven with the shuttle bus directly next to the terminal.

Before the counter of Icelandair a small queue had already formed. So we waited patiently, checked in and after the security cheque we were, finally, in the airplan which started on time around 11:40 p.m.

We sat  in the last row and had 3 places for ourselves alone. And because of Steffens birthday, we ordered to ourselves champagne and a sandwich, “Samloka”, an Icelandic sandwich. Over the clouds we pushed so over again on Steffens birthday and let it go well during the flight. Of the male stewardess looked after us also very well and on account of the additional place offer we could also hold a small, comfortable nap.
On time around 4.15 p.m. we landed in Keflavik. There we were fetched at a nice, young Icelander who brought us to the hired car office, 4 minutes of the airport remotely. The office was directly beside the motel with which we had already received our key and the bedclothes for the summer cottage the last year.
The Icelanders were very friendly and immediately we experienced the relaxed and calm kind of the Icelandic people. Since when the Icelander explained to us how the return of the carriage should occur, nevertheless, we were amazed a little bit. „You park the carriage directly at the airport at P3 and lay the key simply in the glove compartment.”
OK, so we accepted the small black car. A Hyundai 10i, felt 40 PS in black. Nevertheless, anyhow I have fallen in love immediately with the little one and it really gave pleasure to go between all gigantic cars in Iceland with this small car.

Now on the ring road we went by the black lava scenery which was covered by green lichens and shone in the sun. Since as already two times before we had again nice weather and pleasant 5 ° C.
We found the Icelandair hotel “Loftleidir” about some detours. Nevertheless, was due to the fact not that the hotel stood somewhere apart (but directly at the home airport in Reykjavik), but that the construction logic of the capital was not so really clear and, moreover, the town plan wasn’t good to read and not actual.
After the checking in the next, from me arranged surprise for Steffen: In the room we found a champagne cooler with ice and a bottle of prosecco and two champagne glasses. The friendly hotel manager of the hotel let on account of my inquiry arrange this immediately.
After a short break at the hotel  then we went  in the city centre. Here we have dinner in in the nice restaurant of the last year, in the middle of the Old Town, and took pleasure in the Icelandic culture. Moreover, we had to find out pleased that it was light in Iceland in March already till 8 p.m in the evening.
We let the evening then at the hotel end with champagne.

A report about day 2 following soon.

Skogafoss

One of the most beautiful waterfalls is Skógafoss. This waterfall is in the south of Iceland, between the villages Vik and Hvolsvöllu. Only 30 m from the street No. 1 you can find this very nice waterfall. And you can walk to the top.

Selfoss and neighbourhood

Selfoss is a nice town in South Iceland, near Geysir and Gulfoss. The rope bridge was built in 1945 and 2 earthquake can’t destroy this robust bridge.
The landscape around Selfoss is very nice and the town is an important starting point for trips to several sightseeings.

Landscape near Gullfoss and Geysir

Near the Geysir and Gullfoss the landscape of Iceland has a lot of nice and fascinating places.

Gulkfoss

Near the Geysir you can find the waterfall Gullfoss. This is one of the most beautiful and popular waterfall in Iceland.

Geysir Strokkur

In the valley Haukadalur in the South of Iceland, near Laugarvatn, you can find the Geysir Strokkur. This Geysir shoots all 3-5 minutes a water fountain in the air. It’s a very popular and fascinating place in Iceland.

Reykjavik

Reykjavik is the most northern capital of the world and has approx. 117,000 inhabitants. The town has a good infrastructure and offers places of interest and facilities which one also finds in other big towns. When places of interest are to be recommended among other things

• Perlan - a building consisting of boilers and a gigantic glass dome from whose view platform one can see the whole town
• the old harbour
• Hallgrimskirkja - the church of the town
• the shopping mile in the old part of town near the harbour
• Zoo
• numerous museums

Very close to the Whale Whatching landing stages a small and nice snack is hidden. Here one can eat beside shrimp spits, fish soup and various fish kebabs also whale meat. And this everything for a satisfactory price.

The beginning of all

In August 2008 we have visited for the first time Iceland. Since then our heart belongs to this wonderful and  nice country. The energy, the fascination, the scenery and breathtaking nature. It is a place which has already fascinated many people and has them deeply touched.

Hence, we begin this new series and invite you to get to know this country by our pictures. With the nicest pictures of our trips and a little background information we would like to give an understanding to you of this country.

And we start as well as at that time in 2008. With the flight and the tension on this amusing country.