Iceland advice

geuro

Hi all

Heading to Ieland for 5 nights in March. We need to decide whether we are better off basing ourselves in Reykjavik for the duration of our visit, or maybe spending a couple of nights somewhere else, maybe Akureyri or Isafjordur.

If we had longer, we would certainly travel about a bit, but since we are on a tight time limit, we need to decide whether or not we should sacrifice time travelling around the island. I understand there is a huge amount to see around Reykjavik, ie Geysir, Gulfoss, golden circle, etc

Any advice from anyone that has been to Iceland before?

Would really appreciate some pointers or ideas on how to get the most out of this trip, where we really need to see, etc. Any useful tips or advice very much appreciated..

Also, anyone know if we are likely to be able to see northern lights? (mid-march, full moon)

And is the blue lagoon the best geothermally heated pool to visit, or are there more beautiful, less crowded ones that anyone would recommend?

Cheers


G

H2G2

geuro wrote:

Heading to Iceland for 5 nights in March. We need to decide whether we are better off basing ourselves in Reykjavik for the duration of our visit, or maybe spending a couple of nights somewhere else, maybe Akureyri or Isafjordur.

That depends on what you want to see. Reykjavik is a great base to see much of the major/mainstream tourist sights and its easy to drive around and see the golden circle (Gullfoss, Geysir), Hveragerði, Vik, Thingvellir and the likes.
Akureyri is lovely and easy to reach, with several flights per day from Reykjavik airport - Note: When you arrive in iceland you land in Keflavík international airport, 50km from Reykjavik! The disadvantage with Akureyri, unlike Reykjavik, is that you must have a car. Akureyri is a small town and has little to offer in and of itself. But the surrounding countryside is stunning. Must do's are: Godafoss, Dimmuborgir, Lake Myvatn and the amazing Hverir / Námafjall geothermal area.

geuro wrote:

If we had longer, we would certainly travel about a bit, but since we are on a tight time limit, we need to decide whether or not we should sacrifice time travelling around the island. I understand there is a huge amount to see around Reykjavik, ie Geysir, Gulfoss, golden circle, etc

If this is your first time, then I reckon you would get a proper understanding of the country by basing yourself in Reykjavik and doing the major sights. Then on trip 2, go up north... and there will be a trip 2. Everyone I know who has been there loved it and wants to return!

geuro wrote:

Would really appreciate some pointers or ideas on how to get the most out of this trip, where we really need to see, etc. Any useful tips or advice very much appreciated..

The TripAdvisor Iceland forum is very good. Read it!

geuro wrote:

Also, anyone know if we are likely to be able to see northern lights? (mid-march, full moon)

Pot luck!

geuro wrote:

And is the blue lagoon the best geothermally heated pool to visit, or are there more beautiful, less crowded ones that anyone would recommend?

Jardbodin www.jardbodin.is is by far the best kept secret gem of the geothermal pools. Beats Blue Lagoon hand down. Its in the Myvatn area, ie. up north, about 2 hours drive from Akureyri, so very very few tourists ever see it.

geuro

Thanks for all the good advice H2G2 - was just reading the tripadvisor forum, and yeah it's real useful. Still havent decided wheter i will go north or not, it sounds amazing but i dont want to try and over stretch the time i have there either...

Reckon a car is the best way to see stuff - would you say it's dangerous on the iceland roads in march? Or does it just take the same amount of care and caution as a wintry morning here?

H2G2

geuro wrote:

Reckon a car is the best way to see stuff - would you say it's dangerous on the iceland roads in march? Or does it just take the same amount of care and caution as a wintry morning here?

By mid March roads are usually good. But a week either way can make a difference and you can't predict that. Main roads will be fine. Main tourist trails such as golden circle are usually good. But some roads will be closed until as late as June! Another reason not to go North in March.

If there is snow, get stud tyres and don't accept any nonsense from rental company... they usually try t avoid giving them out.

Best website for Icelandic roads info in real time is here
http://www.vegagerdin.is/english/

geuro

Thanks again for the advice - looking forward to the trip!