Icecave Iceland - Ice Caves & Tunnels in Langjökull - Iceland Ice Cave Tour

The Langjökull glacier is a sight that needs to be seen to be believed, and in June 2015, tourists will get the opportunity see the blue ice from below in Icecave Iceland.

It is the scenery in the country that is a major draw, with geysers, glaciers, and the Blue Lagoon among the top attractions. If you are in the Reykjavik area, you need to take the trip to the Langjökull glacier so that you can access the tunnel that runs below it.

Icecave Iceland will allow visitors to see the glacier in a way that was never possible before. Seeing it from below gives an idea of how the natural wonder formed in the first place.

The Langjökull glacier sits to the north east of Reykjavik, and is the second largest ice cap in Iceland at a staggering 953 km2. The ice that you will see on the glacier has been formed by snow that has compacted over a period of thousands of years. The shades of blue in the thick ice are subtly different, with each hue representing a different snowfall period.

Ice experts are able to carefully analyze each of the layers to get data about the snowfall and weather conditions in each period. The layers that are closer to white in color indicate periods of extreme cold. The whiter shade is caused by air crystals trapped in the ice.

The layers that are a darker blue are those which were created when the snow fell while the weather was wetter and warmer, and where only a small amount of air became trapped. All the weight and trapped air from above compresses down and creates a brilliant blue color at the very heart of the glacier.

When Icecave Iceland opens in the spring, visitors will get the opportunity to explore Langjökull glacier inside and out. Finally, that brilliant blue color that lies at the heart of the glacier will be exposed for all to see.

Tour groups will travel up to the glacier via 8-wheel super drive trucks that are designed to tackle the hostile terrain. Exclusive groups will have the opportunity to take a thrilling ride below the glacier, where they will be treated to a host of interesting facts on the way down. When they hit the bottom, they will be in the blue heart of the glacier.

Weather permitting, the tours will be open to visitors between June and October. There are a number of glacier caves dotted throughout Iceland, but they are all seasonal, forming during the warmer months of the year.

The Tours

Ice Cave 1
Trip Duration: 2.5-3.5 hours
Departure: 11:00 and 13:00 from the glacier edge

Even if you have visited a glacier in the past, we can guarantee that it was nothing like this. You don’t just get to walk on top of the ice, you get to take a once in a lifetime trip below the surface. You will be in awe when you see the stunning array of colors that lie beneath the surface of the Langjökull glacier.

Price : 17900 ISK

Ice Cave 2
Trip Duration: 9 hours
Departure: 09:00 (hotel pickup 8:30)

You are essentially getting three distinct ice tours with this package, as it encompasses every aspect of the glacier. You get to explore around, on, and inside the massive 953 km2 glacier. There are also a couple of great stops on the way: the Deildartunguhver geo-thermal hot spring and the incredible Hraunfossar waterfall. On the return trip, you will make stops at the highland track of Kaldidalur, and Þingvellir national park. This is a day trip that touches on all the things that make Iceland so special.

Price : 29900 ISK

Ice Cave 3
Trip Duration: 14 hours
Departure: 09:00 (hotel pickup 8:30)

Essentially the same trip as outlined above, but with an additional stop in Gullfoss to see the iconic Geysir.

Price : 38900 ISK

Mike, Iceland24h.blogspot.com
© 2015 Iceland24h.blogspot.com

Self-drive Iceland Trip Report 6 Days - Nov 2014

We went to Iceland in the early part of November, so I want to get this out now while all the details are still fresh. I also hope that the information I provide will help others looking to explore Iceland in the same way.

Traveling independently is important to us, so I like to take care of all the details – car, hotels, etc. – before we set off. A big part of the fun comes in the planning stages.

Day 1 We left Gatwick Airport on the first of the month, landing in Iceland at about 6 PM. The Kia Ceed we rented from Cars Iceland was waiting for us, and we were out and on the road in no time at all. There was some concerns about driving into Reykjavik in the dark and without a navigation system, especially while driving on the opposite side of the road from what we are used to. The traffic was light, though, and the roads were well sign-posted and easy to drive. We took the road that led to our accommodation, the Hilton Reykjavik Nordica. It was a nondescript hotel, but it did have all the amenities you expect from a Hilton.

Our next stop was down by the Reykjavik harbor so that we could try the legendary Icelandic fish and chips, which very much lived up to the hype. We took a short, albeit cold, stroll afterwards before getting back to our car and hotel.

Day 2 involved a pretty log drive from Reykjavik to Jokulsarlon Glacier. The day started at about 8.30 AM, but we did take time to make a few photo stops along the way, including a brief stop at Skogafoss. We were at Jokulsarlon by 4 PM, and have to say that the drive was well worth it. It was quite the sight to watch the glaciers drift out to sea.

We stopped at Fosshotel Nupar for the night on the way back. The shipping containers out from were a little off putting, but once inside the hotel, we were treated to amazing views. Were it not for the cloudy skies, we may even have caught a glimpse of the northern lights.

Day 3 We left our hotel at about 9.30 AM, heading back the way we had come the day before. It was a beautiful clear day, so we stopped at a few places we had missed the day before. These included Dyrholaey, Seljalandsfoss, and the Eyjafjallajokull volcano, whose last eruption was back in 2010. Our next 3 nights were to be spent at a lovely little cabin at Gljufur, near Hveragerdi. Our initial goal was to find a place with a private hot tub, but the costs were a little steep for our budget at the major hotels. The cabins were a much more affordable alternative, and each one had a private hot tub, that we used regularly over the 3 days. We also made use of the kitchen, as we discovered at eating out in Iceland can be expensive.

The cabins comfortably sleep 6-8 people, and are a perfect family spot.

On the 4th day, we took a drive up the east side of Lake Thingvallatn. The views are stunning, but they were made even more so by the snowfall we experienced. We left our car in the lower car park and made our way up through the rift, which took us by the stunning Oxarafoss waterfall. Our trip took us to the Interpretive Centre, where we were afforded amazing views over the Almannagja rift. We started to feel the chill, and headed back to have some of the soup that we had brought in Thermos (a must have item when exploring in the cold).

Our last stop of the afternoon was a few hours visiting the Laugarvatn Fontana Spa which is built over a natural steam vent. The spa has a number of pools heated to different temperatures, as well as a geothermal heated lake. My wife took a dip and discovered that the water had warm spots among the cold water. It ended up being what we thought was a perfect day.

On day 5, we headed off to the golden circle, with a stop at the Kerid crater along the way. One thing that came as a surprise here was the 2 Euro entry fee. It wasn’t a large amount, and was on that we were happy to pay, but every other attraction to that point had been free to enter. We had seen photos of the Gullfoss waterfall, and it was as amazing as the images showed. Our next stop, Geysir, was also incredible. It was such a pleasant experience at the geothermal pools yesterday that we decided to do another on this day.

We made a stop at the Secret Lagoon- Gamla Laughin, which is more of a natural setting. In fact, we were the only people there. Making the spot even more special is a little poolside geyser that erupts every 5-10 minutes. The spot was amazing, and we were left wondering why the Blue Lagoon is the spot that everyone goes to rather than these amazing little places.

The 6th day was a sad one, as we had to pack up and leave the cabin we had grown to love. We stopped at Reykjavik on the way and spent a few hours really exploring the streets of this wonderful city, as well as grabbing a very delicious hot dog.

We decided to stop by the Blue Lagoon to see what all the fuss was about, but it was packed, and the parking lot full. It made us all the more pleased that we had found our little hidden spa. Beyond the Blue Lagoon, we went into the Reykjanes peninsula, where we stopped off for 10 minutes at the Gunnuhver Geothermal area, which was amazing and well worth the stop. We had one final surprise on the way to the airport, which was the spot were two continents crossed. The bridge where we stood was at the post where the European and American tectonic plates have separated. Once that was done, we returned the car and took our flight home.

The 6 days we spent in Iceland was wonderful, and we really do recommend self-driving. It is easy to get around the country, and you get to see a whole lot more than you would if you went on a bus tour. If we had one small disappointment on our trip, it was that we didn’t get to see the northern lights. We would sit in the hot tub and gaze up into the night sky, but cloud cover made it impossible to see anything.

One last thing that we should mention is that we never bought currency before we traveled. Our goal was to do so when we arrived, but what we found was that everything from parking meters to food stands took our card, which meant having currency was not really necessary.

Mike, Iceland24h.blogspot.com
© 2015 Iceland24h.blogspot.com

Þingvellir National Park - Guide to National Park Thingvellir

Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park has a rich history, stretching all the way back to 930. That was when the open-air assembly known as the Althing was established. The annual meeting of the assembly would run for 2 weeks, with laws made and disputes settled. The Althing ended in 1798, but its history still resonates with Icelanders today.

The remains of the Althing can still be found in the park. Around 50 booths made from turf and stone are among the remains. It is also believed that a number of artifacts from the 10th century may be buried underground. There is also evidence of agricultural work that took place in the 18th and 19th centuries. It is quite easy to see how the land was worked over the past 1,000 years.

This is a place that is of international importance, as proven by a massive amount of research that has been conducted in the area over the past few decades. Lake Þingvallavatn is one of the main attractions of this must see geological marvel.

Thingvellir Church

The church at Þingvellir is called Þingvallakirkja, and is open to visitors on a daily basis from 9am to 5pm, from the middle of May through to early September. There are other periods when it can be visited, the full details of which can be found by contacting the Information Center.

Reservations tel. (+354) 482 2660 Email: thingvellir@thingvellir.is

Camping

There are two areas of the park that welcomes campers from June 1st to September 1st.

A short 5 minute hike from the Information center is where you Leirar, while the other campground is in Vatnskot, by Lake Þingvallavatn. There are 4 campgrounds to be found in Leirar: Fagrabrekka, Syðri-Leirar, Hvannabrekka and Nyrðri-Leirar.

An old abandonded farm on the shores of the lake is home to the Vatnskot camp ground. Those looking to camp or fish in this area need to obtain permits from the Information Center before doing so. Children 13 and under can stay overnight for free. If your group is made up of 10 or more adults, you can get a 15% discount when paying the full cost of permits when reserving.

Hiking Trails

There are hiking trails to be found all over the National Park. Many of these fan out from the Althing and pass through the abandoned farms of Hrauntún, Skógarkot and Vatnskot. The remains of the latter can still be seen.

While the majority of the trails are reserved for walkers, the old bridle paths of Langistígur, Skógarkotsvegur and Nýja-Hrauntúnsgata are open to those looking to explore on horseback.

How to get to Thingvellir National Park

Thingvellir National Park is about 45 km northeast of Reykjavik, and there are a number of different roads that lead to the park.

Traveling From Reykjavik: From Reykjavik, head north on the No.1 road. Once you pass through the town of Mosfellsbær, you will then take the next exit to the right at the roundabout that leads to No. 36 to Thingvellir. This is the main road that runs into Thingvellir, and it remains open and ploughed through the majority of winter.

Information Center

The Þingvellir National Park Information Center is close to the camping grounds in Leirar. It remains open from 9 am to 5 pm, May 1st through September 30th.

The history and general information of the National Park can be found here, as can maps that clearly show all of the marked trails. Road conditions are routinely posted, as is information about other areas of interest in the National Park.

There is an excellent bookstore in the center. You will also find a cafeteria that is open daily from April 1st to October 31st, and on weekends during the winter months.

Jóhanna Rós & Kolla
© 2015 Iceland24h.blogspot.com

Best Apps for Iceland Travelers

Iceland was able to have approximately 900,000 visitors in 2014, which is more than double the number of people who live there. If you are planning to visit this remarkable country during 2015, you will want to make sure that you have the apps that we are discussing today to make your trip more enjoyable.

112 App

This is the official app for emergency service in Iceland. With this app, you can send an SMS to Icelandic emergency services while using the GPS location before dialing 112.

This app should be installed on your phone prior to arriving and you should use it to check in. When used properly it can make sure that you are safe and secure during your trips by allowing emergency services to have your basic information at all times.

Iceland Travel & Tourism Guide

The Iceland Travel Guide app ensures that you know about all of the things that you need to know about the country free.

Suggestions have come from locals, tourists, techies, artists, and photographers, to ensure that you have a great visit in the country.

It is recommended because it allows you to plan all of the things that you want to make sure that you do while in town (Android & iOS iPhone/iPad).

Iceland Road Guide

This app is actually based on the book Iceland Road Guide, which has been travelling with tourists for the past 40 years.

However, the app is an improved version of the book and it includes texts, figures, photos, and maps, which makes navigating the country easier.

Vedur

This is the best Icelandic Weather app currently on the market. It features the best radar maps, local forecasts, and weather predictions available.

Now you can be aware of the weather at all times from your phone.

Happy Hour

Happy Hour is your key to making sure that you get the best deals on your drinks when in Reykjavik.

This innovative app tells you when Happy Hours takes place and it even suggests places that are the closet to your current location. Iceland alcohol can be expensive, so if you enjoy having cold Icelandic beers you will want this app to be your best friend.

Kolla, Iceland24h.blogspot.com
© 2015 Iceland24h.blogspot.com, January 2015

What To Do in Reykjanes Peninsula

You would be forgiven for believing that lighthouse were the dominant species in the Reykjanes peninsula, but there is a lot more to see there besides the many protectors of the coastline. The whole area is a geothermal wonder, conveniently close to Keflavik International Airport and the stunning Blue Lagoon.

A number of the higher temperature geothermal spots in the peninsula have been used to provide electricity to the surrounding area. If you are interested in geology and its history in the area, you need to take a tour of the geothermal energy exhibition at the Hellisheiði Power Station.

This is the part of the world where the earth’s crust that sites between the European and American tectonic plates is at its thinnest and most visible. Pardon the pun, but the caves, volcanic craters, and geothermal waters in the area are a veritable hotbed for fun activities of all kinds. You will also find plenty of things to see and do in the area, from churches and museums, to restaurants and fun festivals.

Reykjanes attractions

In the southwestern part of the Reykjanes Peninsula you will find what will soon be a geothermal park. This is a natural wonder created by the rising of the North Atlantic ridge out of the ocean. Dotted throughout this area are more than 100 craters, caves, and lava fields, as well as a great collection of different birds. It is a rugged area that has to be seen to be believed, and there are certainly plenty of great attractions to be found, including:

-Reykjanesviti – This lighthouse dates back to the early 1900’s and has the distinction of being home to some of Iceland’s most active geothermal activity.

-Gunnuhver – A massive hot mud spring that is housed in a crater that is an awe inspiring 20 metres in circumference. A pair of different ramps offer great views of Gunnhuver and the other natural wonders that surround it.

-Karlinn (The Old Man) – It’s a sad story, as this 50m high rock stands alone to spend his days grieving the loss of Kerlingin (The Old Woman) who used to stand by his side, but who was washed away by the elements.

-Brennisteinfjöll (The Sulphur Mountains) – If you want to do a little exploring, there are numerous caves, craters, and lava fields to see here, all of which were formed by active volcanoes over the years.

-Brimketill, (The surf kettle) – A unique rock formation that was sculpted over time by the ebb and flow of the ocean.

-Hafnaberg – Bird enthusiasts will get a will get a real kick out of this low vertical cliff that is home to a wide variety of plant life.

-Eldey (Fire Island) – Another spot for bird lovers, as the 77m sheer rock reef is home to the largest breeding colonies of gannets in the world. It is just one of a chain of reefs located in this area.

All of the interesting locations in and around Reykjanes are a mere 5-20 minutes by car from the airport. A perfect example of that is something you might not expect to see in Iceland, which is a pyramid named, Keilir.

We mentioned the vast number of lighthouses in the area already. If you want to know more about them, you must visit the village of Gardur, where you will find Gardskagi, the home to a museum and a pair of historical lighthouses. If nature is your thing, pay a visit to the Sudrunes Science and Learning Center on Sandgerdi. There you will learn about all kinds of organisms, and will also be able to see living creatures kept in large seawater tanks.

More information about geothermal power and energy harvesting can be found at the Kvikan House of Culture and Natural Resources in Grindavik. The Earth Energy exhibit tells you all you need to know about the subject through films and presentations gathered from years of research on the subject.

Kolla, Iceland24h.blogspot.com
© 2014 Iceland24h.blogspot.com, December 2014

Enjoy Reykjavík’s Kolaportið Weekend Market

Lopapeysa is a souvenir that perfectly represents Iceland. It is a traditional sweater made out of intricate and distinct pattern. These handmade sweaters were created using sheep’s wool, which explains why they are amazingly warm. However, these sweaters may be quite expensive, reaching even more than 30,000 ISK in local stores along Laugavegur Street, the main shopping destination in Reykjavík.

In order to get a cheaper, yet same high-quality option, try visiting the Kolaportið weekend market. What is very interesting about this place is that it gives off the traditional feel of Iceland. The people that gather here come from all sorts of backgrounds, buying and selling things. Everybody who visits this market is in for a good deal. It is very charming, with a twist of a little weirdness as well.

Even though there are a lot of things that are worth buying in this market, such as used books, knick knacks, vintage shoes and clothes, local delicacies and even DVDs, the best offers are the ones on Iopapeysas. In this market, you can find a good deal for half the price, at 15,000 ISK. You may also decide to purchase other items such as mittens, woollen hats, and scarves.

Visit all the stalls and try on different options until you eventually find your fit. You may also attempt to negotiate, but most of the prices are fixed and are already hugely discounted, compared to the bigger stores.

The Kolaportið weekend market is an indoor location which is usually open during the weekend. The store hours are between 11:00 – 17:00, and they are occasionally open during public holidays. Most of the vendors do not receive cash. However, there is an ATM inside the market. You may not get a tax on your purchase, but because of the savings that you got, the tax does not really matter. Plus, you can also go and get yourself a good lunch at the fish stalls in the area.

Therefore, if you are searching for an activity to do on a boring weekend afternoon, head to Kolaportið weekend market and enjoy a shopping spree.

Kolla, Iceland24h.blogspot.com
© 2014 Iceland24h.blogspot.com, November 2014

The Most Romantic Honeymoon Hotels in Iceland

You don’t tend to think of Scandinavian countries as being the most romantic in the world, usually because you have layer on clothing as opposed to taking it off. Iceland falls into that category, and seems even less romantic when you take the local cuisine into account, not to mention the weird accent and fashion choices of the locals.

You need to be able to look beyond all that, though, to see that the stunning vistas carved by Mother Nature’s loving hand are indeed the perfect setting for a romantic holiday. There are plenty of things for young, and the not so young, lovers to do, and a great selection of honeymoon hotels in Iceland. Here are just a few perfect hotel destinations.

Elf Guesthouse - North Iceland

This is a great little guesthouse that is owned and operated by an elderly couple. It is only a couple of km from the town center of Akureyri, but you feel as though you are in an enchanted place, as the guesthouse is located in a small forest and right beside a large stone that is the home of a friendly Elf.

You really do feel as though you are away from it all, as the only other house nearby is that of the couple that owns the Elf Guesthouse. Karl, the owner of the property, says that he was told by the previous owner that if he bought the land, he could do whatever he wanted, as long as the stone belonging to the elf remained undisturbed.

Karl promised that would be the case, and he has made good on said promise. The stone is highlighted by the beautiful garden that surrounds it, helping create a romantic paradise for all who visit. If you want to stay at the guesthouse, you will only be able to do so as a couple. You can book your spot by contacting Karl.

Hotel Ranga – South Iceland

Hotel Ranga is considered to be one of the “Great Hotels of the World,” and a quick glimpse into any of their 51 rooms and suites make it obvious why it has that label. The laundry list of amenities in each of the rooms is amazing enough, but the views outside the window are even more breathtaking. It doesn’t matter whether you get a view of the riverside or Mt. Helka, both are awesome.

You can also choose to feel as though you are in another part of the world by choosing one of the suites in the “World Pavilion” that are themed to be like other nations. Lay back in your Jacuzzi and imagine that you are doing so in Antarctica, and all without leaving Iceland.

Mjóeyri – East Iceland

When you visit Mjóeyri, you can choose to stay in the guesthouse or go for a cottage, which is a little more private and romantic. Situated on the Mjóeyri peninsula and a little ways outside the village of Eskijordur, this hotel offers views and a level of tranquility that is simply impossible to find anywhere else in the world.

If you are looking to do a little Icelandic exploring, Mjóeyri is the perfect place to rest up between the many outdoor adventures that await just outside the front doors of this beautiful location.

Kolla, Iceland24h.blogspot.com
© 2014 Iceland24h.blogspot.com, November 2014