Agreed. It's a fantastic site at anytime of the year..
If people visit Skógafoss make sure you take a short walk to the left down the path. There's a hidden waterfall which you can get to through a small opening in the rocks
Calling all visitors to Iceland
- Thread starter The_Abyss
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Agreed. It's a fantastic site at anytime of the year..
If people visit Skógafoss make sure you take a short walk to the left down the path. There's a hidden waterfall which you can get to through a small opening in the rocks
Soldato
Agreed. It's a fantastic site at anytime of the year..
If people visit Skógafoss make sure you take a short walk to the left down the path. There's a hidden waterfall which you can get to through a small opening in the rocks
It's also worth climbing the trail next to the water fall and walking up the valley for a bit the river drops over about 12 waterfalls in a relatively short space it is beautiful and much quieter up there as not many fancy the walk!
I would recommend picking up some clip on ice cleats as well before you leave I lived in my walking boots over there but there were a few occasions when I thought a set of these would have boosted my confidence in staying on my feet!
Soldato
Finally got round to uploading my photos so here goes: https://flic.kr/s/aHskxMsh3q
(Will geotag them shortly)
Blurb from Flickr
I visited Iceland for 5 days early March 2016 with my brother. It is an absolutely breathtaking place. We spent about 3 days in Reykjavik and 2 days on organised tours to the South Shore and Golden Circle. The varying and unpredictable weather made potography very difficult, not to mention restrictive aspects of organised tours with strict timetable. But when the weather was good, the place looks stunning...photos of the old harbour were shot on a sunny afternoon, so became my favourite spot and photos. I would like to go back, maybe in a couple of years, in summer, and with my own vehicle so I can experience the country under different conditions. Iceland is a must for every traveller and photography fan.
Two weeks would be amazing. I reckon allow 2-3 days for Reykjavik, and if you are serious about making the most of the place (and can afford it of course), rent a car and spend nights in various places. That's what I would do in future. I get the impression all places tour guides recommend are actually worth it. To be honest the whole country is so photogenic, you'll be hard pushed to find somewhere "not nice".
Few highlights:
Harpa-11 by *SM*, on Flickr
Harpa-3 by *SM*, on Flickr
Reykjavik city centre-9 by *SM*, on Flickr
Reykjavik Mount Esja pano 2 by *SM*, on Flickr
Reykjavik city centre-20 by *SM*, on Flickr
Reykjavik Old Harbour-32 by *SM*, on Flickr
Reykjavik city centre-40 by *SM*, on Flickr
Vatnsleysufoss-Faxafoss-2 by *SM*, on Flickr
Gullfoss-4 by *SM*, on Flickr
Myrdalsjokull-14 by *SM*, on Flickr
Thingvellir-5 by *SM*, on Flickr
Thingvellir-21 by *SM*, on Flickr
(the horses are ridiculously photogenic)
Northern Lights-1 by *SM*, on Flickr
Northern Light wasn't very active whilst we were there, or it was cloudy. But we did seem some activity on two of three nights we went out. The one in the photo above was done to luck. We decided to go for a walk on the waterfront after dinner and there was a gap in the clouds where they could be seen right over the city.
P.s. Regarding food, I had a few of the best meals of my life out there. Incredibly tasty lamb and fresh fish caught that day. Pricey, around £20 for a main dish for dinner, which maybe would have been £10-12 in England, but couldn't complain due to the quality. We enjoyed going to a place called Harry's in Reykjavik (found on Tripadvisor) so much we went straight back the next night. One of the best mojito I've ever had too there!
(Will geotag them shortly)
Blurb from Flickr
I visited Iceland for 5 days early March 2016 with my brother. It is an absolutely breathtaking place. We spent about 3 days in Reykjavik and 2 days on organised tours to the South Shore and Golden Circle. The varying and unpredictable weather made potography very difficult, not to mention restrictive aspects of organised tours with strict timetable. But when the weather was good, the place looks stunning...photos of the old harbour were shot on a sunny afternoon, so became my favourite spot and photos. I would like to go back, maybe in a couple of years, in summer, and with my own vehicle so I can experience the country under different conditions. Iceland is a must for every traveller and photography fan.
Two weeks would be amazing. I reckon allow 2-3 days for Reykjavik, and if you are serious about making the most of the place (and can afford it of course), rent a car and spend nights in various places. That's what I would do in future. I get the impression all places tour guides recommend are actually worth it. To be honest the whole country is so photogenic, you'll be hard pushed to find somewhere "not nice".
Few highlights:
Harpa-11 by *SM*, on FlickrHarpa-3 by *SM*, on FlickrReykjavik city centre-9 by *SM*, on FlickrReykjavik Mount Esja pano 2 by *SM*, on FlickrReykjavik city centre-20 by *SM*, on FlickrReykjavik Old Harbour-32 by *SM*, on FlickrReykjavik city centre-40 by *SM*, on FlickrVatnsleysufoss-Faxafoss-2 by *SM*, on FlickrGullfoss-4 by *SM*, on FlickrMyrdalsjokull-14 by *SM*, on FlickrThingvellir-5 by *SM*, on FlickrThingvellir-21 by *SM*, on Flickr(the horses are ridiculously photogenic)
Northern Lights-1 by *SM*, on FlickrNorthern Light wasn't very active whilst we were there, or it was cloudy. But we did seem some activity on two of three nights we went out. The one in the photo above was done to luck. We decided to go for a walk on the waterfront after dinner and there was a gap in the clouds where they could be seen right over the city.
P.s. Regarding food, I had a few of the best meals of my life out there. Incredibly tasty lamb and fresh fish caught that day. Pricey, around £20 for a main dish for dinner, which maybe would have been £10-12 in England, but couldn't complain due to the quality. We enjoyed going to a place called Harry's in Reykjavik (found on Tripadvisor) so much we went straight back the next night. One of the best mojito I've ever had too there!
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Soldato
Lovely photo's looks like you had some great weather would love to have seen the lights in Reykjavik but couldn't complain at our two fabulous sightings in the countryside! Totally agree on the food my take is if you go expecting London prices you won't be shocked by the cost of anything!
It's great seeing some images of Iceland again, I went last month, although we only stayed for 4 days. I can't wait to go back!
We stayed in Mosfellsbaer so a little out of Reykjavik proper but the public transport is fantastic so not a worry (even though we had a car, we had a day in the city for beer and things)
Annoyingly we managed to get some rather crap weather come in most of the days so not much exploring was done despite being well dressed for anything, but we still got some good photos. Well, my friend did who's an actual photographer, I just stuck to crappy phone images!
We stayed in Mosfellsbaer so a little out of Reykjavik proper but the public transport is fantastic so not a worry (even though we had a car, we had a day in the city for beer and things)
Annoyingly we managed to get some rather crap weather come in most of the days so not much exploring was done despite being well dressed for anything, but we still got some good photos. Well, my friend did who's an actual photographer, I just stuck to crappy phone images!
Soldato
The weather is such a lottery we had a week of almost unbroken sunshine which the locals said was unheard of at the time of year (late Feb) but then the day we went to Jokulsarlon it was grey drizzly and overcast!
We went to Gullfoss and then drove down to Flúðir to visit the Secret Lagoon. The journey took nearly 2 hours as a blizzard had blown in, and a guy at the Lagoon who was running a group tour in a 6 wheeled monster bus told us that we were mental to have even tried to drive the road in a Jeep let alone the bleeding Hyundai i30 we rented 
Soldato
Yep, the day we went to the South shore, we experienced within 2 hours rain, sleet, snow and wind so high the smaller waterfalls were erm... falling sideways and upwards. We were soaking wet and had to keep wiping my lens every 5 minutes. We had to make it back to Reykjavik before 5pm as the authorities were considering closing the road through the mountains (or something like that).
They actually did close the road we were coming down that evening, and the next day pretty much all the main routes were flagged as complete knackers!
I still can't wait to go back though!
We did manage to get one clear spell for some Northern Lights pictures in Thingvellir thankfully!
Soldato
Yay, it's time! We fly out in the morning
Thanks everyone for the ideas
Thanks everyone for the ideas
Soldato
So last time I posted in here, I had come back from Iceland, and this is what I posted above:
I visited Iceland for 5 days early March 2016 with my brother. It is an absolutely breathtaking place. We spent about 3 days in Reykjavik and 2 days on organised tours to the South Shore and Golden Circle. The varying and unpredictable weather made potography very difficult, not to mention restrictive aspects of organised tours with strict timetable. But when the weather was good, the place looks stunning...photos of the old harbour were shot on a sunny afternoon, so became my favourite spot and photos. I would like to go back, maybe in a couple of years, in summer, and with my own vehicle so I can experience the country under different conditions. Iceland is a must for every traveller and photography fan.
Two weeks would be amazing. I reckon allow 2-3 days for Reykjavik, and if you are serious about making the most of the place (and can afford it of course), rent a car and spend nights in various places. That's what I would do in future. I get the impression all places tour guides recommend are actually worth it. To be honest the whole country is so photogenic, you'll be hard pushed to find somewhere "not nice".
Planning another visit first week of June for around a week, with my brother, but this time renting a car. Tentative itinerary:
Sunday Land a.m., collect car, drive to Hellnar, West Iceland (3h if no stops), stay near Hellnar.
Monday Lava tubing a.m, sightseeing in West Iceland and drive to Reykjavik (2h if no stops), stay in Reykjavik.
Tuesday Whale watching a.m, drive to Vik, South Iceland (2.5h if no stops), stay near Vik.
Wednesday Drive to Jökulsárlón a.m. (lake with icebergs) (2h if no stops), return to Vik, possible stop at Vatnajökull visitor centre and surroundings, stay near Vik.
Thursday Leisurely drive to Golden Circle, taking on the way puffin watching, waterfalls, etc (and possibly DC3 crash site), stay along Golden Circle somewhere.
Friday Secret Lagoon a.m, drive to Reykjavik via Gulfoss and Pinvellir, stay in Reykjavik.
Saturday Reykjavik a.m, return car and depart p.m.
Any thoughts on above?
I visited Iceland for 5 days early March 2016 with my brother. It is an absolutely breathtaking place. We spent about 3 days in Reykjavik and 2 days on organised tours to the South Shore and Golden Circle. The varying and unpredictable weather made potography very difficult, not to mention restrictive aspects of organised tours with strict timetable. But when the weather was good, the place looks stunning...photos of the old harbour were shot on a sunny afternoon, so became my favourite spot and photos. I would like to go back, maybe in a couple of years, in summer, and with my own vehicle so I can experience the country under different conditions. Iceland is a must for every traveller and photography fan.
Two weeks would be amazing. I reckon allow 2-3 days for Reykjavik, and if you are serious about making the most of the place (and can afford it of course), rent a car and spend nights in various places. That's what I would do in future. I get the impression all places tour guides recommend are actually worth it. To be honest the whole country is so photogenic, you'll be hard pushed to find somewhere "not nice".
Planning another visit first week of June for around a week, with my brother, but this time renting a car. Tentative itinerary:
Sunday Land a.m., collect car, drive to Hellnar, West Iceland (3h if no stops), stay near Hellnar.
Monday Lava tubing a.m, sightseeing in West Iceland and drive to Reykjavik (2h if no stops), stay in Reykjavik.
Tuesday Whale watching a.m, drive to Vik, South Iceland (2.5h if no stops), stay near Vik.
Wednesday Drive to Jökulsárlón a.m. (lake with icebergs) (2h if no stops), return to Vik, possible stop at Vatnajökull visitor centre and surroundings, stay near Vik.
Thursday Leisurely drive to Golden Circle, taking on the way puffin watching, waterfalls, etc (and possibly DC3 crash site), stay along Golden Circle somewhere.
Friday Secret Lagoon a.m, drive to Reykjavik via Gulfoss and Pinvellir, stay in Reykjavik.
Saturday Reykjavik a.m, return car and depart p.m.
Any thoughts on above?
Soldato
Very similar to what I did last year in March although I stayed near Jökulsárlón and not Vik.
I'm also going back a couple of times this year at different time, first being June I think and this time with my drone
Soldato
I thought I'd add my pics to this as I thought I'd already done so!
We stayed outside Reykjavic near the secret lagoon so spent a lot of time in the car. I was concerned about driving conditions but with winter tyres I don't even think 4x4 was necessary.
Less than 5 minutes drive from our AirBNB accomodation was a lovely church. The sky was quite dramatic so we stopped off and took a few shots:
Skalholt cathedral by Luke, on Flickr
Our base for the 4 days was in Laugaras. Very rural, but a lot of light pollution from the highly lit greenhouses that were scattered around the area.
Laugaras by Luke, on Flickr
AirBNB is one of the most affordable ways of staying in Iceland, I found hotels were extortionate. We shared a small house on the banks of the Ölfusá river. Like many properties out there it had a hot tub. The reason for the high number of them is the same as the existence of the Blue and Secret lagoons - hot underground springs. Householders just tap into them and have pumps with thermostats to give free hot water. No waiting for electric heating here, just fresh hot water on tap! It is an interesting feeling, getting out of a hot tub into subzero temperatures, but not entirely unpleasant!
Nanna's hot tub! by Luke, on Flickr
Having gone in mid January we were challenged with very few daylight hours, in fact only about 5 per day. This meant setting off everywhere before it got light to maximise the day. Laugaras at sunrise was glorious!
Ölfusá river by Luke, on Flickr
No trip to Iceland would be complete without a trip to Geysir, and ours was no exception. It is such a bizarre experience to feel the warm blast as it erupts, then a few seconds later be pelted with newly frozen droplets of ice.
Geysir 2 by Luke, on Flickr
Less than 2 minutes from Geysir is the famous Gullfoss falls. At the base car park it was unbelievably cold during our visit. -15c is nowhere near the coldest I've experienced (I've been in -43c in Canada) but the moisture from the falls, added to the wind and temperature meant I lasted less than 5 minutes and had to get back in the car with fingers that felt frostbitten. The spray froze instantly on the camera lens so no photos from the bottom were remotely usable!
From the top, however, was another matter. It was still cold, but far less damp. The view changes hugely every few hundred steps and had it not been so cold I'd have stayed a long time there.
Gullfoss Falls 5 by Luke, on Flickr
Gullfoss Falls 2 by Luke, on Flickr
One of our drives took us through Vik. Again I found a lovely little church up on the hill that had great views of the coast. Sadly sun was directly in front of us so photography was nigh on impossible.
Reyniskirkja Vik by Luke Verona, on Flickr
Vik is famous for it's black sand beach. There is a strip of black sand that can be walked on with the sea on one side and a lake the other side. The day before we went a woman was swept out to sea from that strip and drowned. We chose not to walk along it and opted for the larger (and arguably less pretty) larger beach.
Vik beach 2 by Luke, on Flickr
Vik beach by Luke, on Flickr
Despite the sun already being so low in the sky, we decided to head further east. On the way we read about the 'Church Floor' at Kirkjugólf which is the last remains of a monastery. It looked wonderful in the guide book but was underwhelming in real life.
Kirkjugólf by Luke, on Flickr
Again, the wind was so high we couldn't stay long. On the way to the church floor we saw some odd footprints in the ground. It took a while to work out that following a snowfall people had walked in the fresh snow compressing it. The high wind then blew the remaining powder away leaving the footprints behind. I found that oddly interesting!
Kirkjugólf footsteps by Luke, on Flickr
A short while later (well, at least another hour of fading light) and we arrived at Jökulsárlón glacier. This lake with the surrounding peaks made for an entirely bizarre landscape. It is hard to explain the feeling as you walk over the crest of the basin and then see it sprawling ahead of you. Some of the mini icebergs were also very odd - like the shark bobbing around in the current.
Jökulsárlón glacier shark by Luke, on Flickr
Jökulsárlón glacier 5 by Luke, on Flickr
Sadly it got dark very shortly after arriving so our trip was cut short and we began the 5 hour journey home. In good weather and light it would be faster, but I was fighting the strong winds and at times the road conditions were less than ideal in the dark!
Another highlight on the road to Vik was Seljalandsfoss waterfall. We spotted this on the way back, and only as it was nicely illuminated. There are paths up the side of the fall but it was too dark to attempt it.
Seljalandsfoss by Luke , on Flickr
Obviously one of the main draws of Iceland is the northern lights. Unfortunately we happened to arrive at a poor activity period and the closest we got was some faint glows seen on the way back from Vik.
Faint aurora borealis by Luke, on Flickr
We had an amazing time there and will be going back. I think I'll aim for September/October next time to give more daylight hours and a better chance of seeing the lights.
If anyone has any questions, feel free to ask.
We stayed outside Reykjavic near the secret lagoon so spent a lot of time in the car. I was concerned about driving conditions but with winter tyres I don't even think 4x4 was necessary.
Less than 5 minutes drive from our AirBNB accomodation was a lovely church. The sky was quite dramatic so we stopped off and took a few shots:
Skalholt cathedral by Luke, on FlickrOur base for the 4 days was in Laugaras. Very rural, but a lot of light pollution from the highly lit greenhouses that were scattered around the area.
Laugaras by Luke, on FlickrAirBNB is one of the most affordable ways of staying in Iceland, I found hotels were extortionate. We shared a small house on the banks of the Ölfusá river. Like many properties out there it had a hot tub. The reason for the high number of them is the same as the existence of the Blue and Secret lagoons - hot underground springs. Householders just tap into them and have pumps with thermostats to give free hot water. No waiting for electric heating here, just fresh hot water on tap! It is an interesting feeling, getting out of a hot tub into subzero temperatures, but not entirely unpleasant!
Nanna's hot tub! by Luke, on FlickrHaving gone in mid January we were challenged with very few daylight hours, in fact only about 5 per day. This meant setting off everywhere before it got light to maximise the day. Laugaras at sunrise was glorious!
Ölfusá river by Luke, on FlickrNo trip to Iceland would be complete without a trip to Geysir, and ours was no exception. It is such a bizarre experience to feel the warm blast as it erupts, then a few seconds later be pelted with newly frozen droplets of ice.
Geysir 2 by Luke, on FlickrLess than 2 minutes from Geysir is the famous Gullfoss falls. At the base car park it was unbelievably cold during our visit. -15c is nowhere near the coldest I've experienced (I've been in -43c in Canada) but the moisture from the falls, added to the wind and temperature meant I lasted less than 5 minutes and had to get back in the car with fingers that felt frostbitten. The spray froze instantly on the camera lens so no photos from the bottom were remotely usable!
From the top, however, was another matter. It was still cold, but far less damp. The view changes hugely every few hundred steps and had it not been so cold I'd have stayed a long time there.
Gullfoss Falls 5 by Luke, on FlickrGullfoss Falls 2 by Luke, on FlickrOne of our drives took us through Vik. Again I found a lovely little church up on the hill that had great views of the coast. Sadly sun was directly in front of us so photography was nigh on impossible.
Reyniskirkja Vik by Luke Verona, on FlickrVik is famous for it's black sand beach. There is a strip of black sand that can be walked on with the sea on one side and a lake the other side. The day before we went a woman was swept out to sea from that strip and drowned. We chose not to walk along it and opted for the larger (and arguably less pretty) larger beach.
Vik beach 2 by Luke, on FlickrVik beach by Luke, on FlickrDespite the sun already being so low in the sky, we decided to head further east. On the way we read about the 'Church Floor' at Kirkjugólf which is the last remains of a monastery. It looked wonderful in the guide book but was underwhelming in real life.
Kirkjugólf by Luke, on Flickr Again, the wind was so high we couldn't stay long. On the way to the church floor we saw some odd footprints in the ground. It took a while to work out that following a snowfall people had walked in the fresh snow compressing it. The high wind then blew the remaining powder away leaving the footprints behind. I found that oddly interesting!
Kirkjugólf footsteps by Luke, on FlickrA short while later (well, at least another hour of fading light) and we arrived at Jökulsárlón glacier. This lake with the surrounding peaks made for an entirely bizarre landscape. It is hard to explain the feeling as you walk over the crest of the basin and then see it sprawling ahead of you. Some of the mini icebergs were also very odd - like the shark bobbing around in the current.
Jökulsárlón glacier shark by Luke, on FlickrJökulsárlón glacier 5 by Luke, on FlickrSadly it got dark very shortly after arriving so our trip was cut short and we began the 5 hour journey home. In good weather and light it would be faster, but I was fighting the strong winds and at times the road conditions were less than ideal in the dark!
Another highlight on the road to Vik was Seljalandsfoss waterfall. We spotted this on the way back, and only as it was nicely illuminated. There are paths up the side of the fall but it was too dark to attempt it.
Seljalandsfoss by Luke , on FlickrObviously one of the main draws of Iceland is the northern lights. Unfortunately we happened to arrive at a poor activity period and the closest we got was some faint glows seen on the way back from Vik.
Faint aurora borealis by Luke, on FlickrWe had an amazing time there and will be going back. I think I'll aim for September/October next time to give more daylight hours and a better chance of seeing the lights.
If anyone has any questions, feel free to ask.
Soldato
Where did you stay near the Secret Lagoon? Might check it out for our stay there.
Soldato
We stayed here: https://www.airbnb.co.uk/users/show/31212995
Soldato
Did you post your itinerary or photos on here? I'll go dig them out for inspiration. Also mind sharing your accomodation if you still remember? That's my bit of work for the next few days. Even early June, prices are so much higher than March. Aiming for £100/night for B&B/hotels, but not sure I'll get that.Very similar to what I did last year in March although I stayed near Jökulsárlón and not Vik.
I'm also going back a couple of times this year at different time, first being June I think and this time with my drone
Soldato
Not keen on that sort of travelling holiday.
Booked tonight; really hoping I haven't got anything wrong!
Sunday 4th - Arrive am (say collect car noon), pm drive 250km to Hellnar
Monday 5th - Lava tubing at Vatnshellir cave am, pm sightseeing/loop of West Iceland (Snaefellsjokull National Park) and drive 200-250km to Reykjavik
Tuesday 6th - Whalewatching am, pm sightseeing drive 150km to Skogar
Wednesday 7th - Drive 225km to Jokulsarlon for midday, zodiac tour of iceberg lake, pm drive back 225km to Skogar. Vik, lava fields and Skaftaell National Park on the way back
Thursday 8th - Sightseeing (waterfalls, puffins) drive 115km to Fludir, Secret Lagoon pm if time??
Friday 9th - or Secret Lagoon am??, Golden Circle sighseeing (waterfall, pingvellir, geysir) pm whilst driving 140km to Reykjavik
Saturday 10th - Reykjavik am, leave pm (say return car by 4pm)
Hellnar 4th
Anastapi Guesthouse £119
Reykjavik 5th
Alba guesthouse £117
Vik (Skoggar) 6th and 7th
Hotel Edda £249
Fludir 8th
Gardur £94 (right next to secret lagoon)
Reykjavik 9th
Alba guesthouse £117
Flights = £225pp return x 2 = £450 - £180 off using Avios.
Annoyingly BA wouldn't let me rent a car via them for cheap as part of Avios discount. WOuld have been £50 off or so, but never mind. WIll just rent a car elsewhere.
Might get my D600 cleaned or serviced by then and check my kit. Last year I lost a loose knob from my tripod which made it unusable!
Some cracking pics in here, many of shots I see are similar to the view that we had - went end of Jan last year. Had a great time, but food and drink, especially alcohol is bonkers expensive! The national football stadium is like the same as a League 2 club... yet they still beat England hahaha.
Check out these chaps for car rental - we used them and they were very good: http://www.bluecarrental.is