Earlier this summer I spent most of my precious vacation time traveling Iceland. A friend and I rented a tiny Yaris and drove the circumference if Iceland along the Ring Road. It was interesting and different and it convinced me that Iceland is the perfect destination for young people. Even (or especially) if you haven’t done very much travel abroad, here is what makes Iceland is an ideal destination:
Space
The vast open spaces of Iceland are a tonic for overcrowded city life. This is a country with a mere 300,000 inhabitants and where the biggest highway in the country turns to dirt in spots. The further you get out of Reykjavik the more isolated you will feel. Just be sure to have a full tank of gas!
Ease of Travel
Of all the places I’ve been Iceland is one of the easiest to travel. The roads are easily navigatable (there’s really only one of them), the cities well marked and this is a country to mind boggingly crime-free that mother’s leave their babies in carriages outside while they drink their coffee. Additionally, Literally everyone speaks English. Everyone, from the gas station attendants to the Reykjavik partiers speaks English.
Activity
Iceland has some really awesome physical activities for those so inclinded. The hiking oppurtunities are vast and varied. Skiing, Sno-mobiling, and ice-trekking can be done all year round on the ice caps. Golf is also very popular as is horse riding.
If, like me, you are of a lazier sort, you can relax in a geothermal pool like the Blue Lagoon. Great for the skin (but be sure to bring extra conditioner for your hair).
Volcanoes!
Okay, maybe not everyone is as impressed by geothermal heat as I am but if the oddities below us are of interest to you, Iceland is the place to be. We hiked up Krafla, a still steaming volcano in northern Iceland. You can hike around on the very thin surface crust with no supervision whatsoever. The earth literally steams. Terrifying and excilerating.
Nightlife
The party scene is non-existant out of Reykjavik but the capital more than makes up for it. Particularly during the summer months, when the sun barely sets, the youth of Iceland party all night long. The typical night involves pregaming at home (liquor is very expensive in Iceland). Around midnight young hip Icelanders begin to waunder out of doors to one of the many cafes that are converted to nightclubs after hours. After dancing all night you can attempt to find an after hours club for more partying or hit up one of the many late night hot dog or pizza stands before passing out .
I know I’m leaving a lot out, like the eery beauty of icebergs sliding slowly our to sea, or the purple lupines which seemed to blanket the entire country in June, or the plethora of postcard perfect waterfalls. Iceland is gorgeous country and one that benefits from the exuberance of youth.
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Sounds and looks beautiful! I have a friend who just went there and loved it. I never knew anything about Iceland until the last few years when it started getting trendy to go there, but it sounds like there are good reasons why it’s so popular! It’s definitely on my to-do list.
Yeah it’s become really trendy this summer! I guess because of the financial meltdown has made it so much more accessible to budget travelers. It’s still not too crowded though and really just a very cool place.
those photos are gorgeous! i want to go to iceland so badly! I’m trying to figure out if I can fit it into my travel plans for next year…Icelandic Air has a deal where you can do a free stopover in Iceland on your way to or from some European cities….
Thanks Megan! I know that Icelandair does have great deals like that. My advice if you do go is be sure to get out of Reykjavik: that’s where all the neat stuff is.
Wow, now I want to go to Iceland even more than I already do. Great photos!
P.S. I love that you all drove a Yaris around Iceland since I currently own a little Yaris. Great car
Great post! I am considering going to Iceland this summer on my way back from studying in France. The car tour seems like a great idea. A few questions: how old do you have to be to rent a car? Also, would you stay in hotels or was it fine to sleep in tents?
I rented my car through Hostelling International and I don’t beleive they had any age requirement (I was 24). We stayed in hostels but passed some campgrounds. Just remember that even in the summer it can still get pretty cold, especially up north!
Hope that helps!
nice photographs! i would love to be there.
oh my WORD! the pictures are so beautiful and all of your posts are convincing me to get there! of course, on this potential trip i could also revisit denmark and norway….
I think Iceland should hire me for their promo department.
I want to go SOOOO badly!
I’m so intrigued by this country! We travel in a motorhome though and I suspect it would cost a pretty penny to get it over there. Would you still go if it was going to be costly to get there? Is it worth the expense?
Michael Tyson´s last blog ..Nettle’s birthday
My flight to iceland is still the most expensive I’ve ever bought (around $1000) and I think it was worth it. The good news is if you can get your motorhome over there there are a lot of campgrounds and places to park it.
Brilliant! Thanks for the reply – it’s good to have a first-hand opinion that it’s worth a wad of cash
Michael Tyson´s last blog ..Nettle’s birthday
EXCELLENT AND VERY VERY BEAUTIFUL LAND AND YOUR PHOTOS