Iceland Trip Report...FABULOUS trip!

[CrazyZeus1]

Thought I'd write a trip report and answer questions since the Iceland itenerary is fairly new and we just returned! A few things about our family so you can get a feeling for where our experiences and expectations come from.

We are a family of 2 adults & 1 teen boy. We tend to choose city-based ABDs but we've branched out into Adventure type ABDs and have found we love them too! Iceland was our 19th ABD so we obviously have experienced a variety of trips, cultures, guide styles, group dynamics, weather, etc.

The biggest travel tip we've learned and embraced along the way is to learn to roll with things! On trips things always pop up so we do our best to just go with the flow and enjoy! This Iceland trip was probably one of the smoothest trips we've ever had though so definitely no complaints there!

I'm always happy to answer questions or give advice. If you love unique topography, wonderful people, tasty food, and great fun then i would encourage everyone to try the Iceland ABD!
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PACKING NECESSITIES: Here's what I wouldn't leave home without!

Waterproof pants (either ones to wear all day or just slip over your other pants when needed like us)

Waterproof hiking boots

Rain jacket and warm winter jacket

Layering pieces for top and bottom. This week, we have worn jeans/fleece lined leggings, t-shirts, flannel.shirts, fleece vests, & fleece pull overs. Along with the two kinds of jackets, we've been dry and warm in any situation.

Hats that cover ears, gloves, and scarves (if you're prone to feeling cold)

Swimsuits

A pair of shorts just in case (We have yet to pull them out)

The handbook suggests thermal layering pieces but we've not worn any and been plenty warm.
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Things we brought that were totally unnecessary:

Dinner clothes! We only dressed for 1 dinner (welcome.dinner) and everyone was comfy and casual and we were probably overdressed (I wore a dress and.wedges and husband wore pants and Cubavera shirt). All other dinners together we went to straight from activities and didn't have any chance to change. Save the space and weight and just wear your day stuff to the welcome.dinner too !

I brought a pair of sandals, some Uggs, a cute pair of fur lined rain boots, ballet flats... imagined cute pics touring town. Save that space! Ha! The only.shoes you need are sneakers and waterproof hiking boots. I did use a pair of flip flops because I always wear them.but certainly didn't need them.

Brought shorts for everyone and didn't wear them once. I'd bring 1 pair just in case but pants were definitely needed.

Our layers were: t-shirt, flannel shirt, fleece vest, rain jacket. Pants were either jeans or fleece lined leggings, and we threw on rain Pants as needed (and you definitely want to bring them) Every day that kept us plenty warm except for the glacier hike/iceberg lagoon day where we wore our heavy winter jackets. I brought 2 winter jackets because, again, pictures but that was total waste of space! The weather could always be colder and you may get more use out of a warm jacket than we did (some people wore theirs often anyway).

We did not bring any thermal layers nor did we need them.

Bring nice, warm tall socks. You'll want them for a few activities and they're great for keeping feet warm. I only brought 2 pairs and then a bunch of thin athletic ankle socks... ended up wearing my 2 tall socks most of the time on repeat!

If you want to get your hair wet at either lagoon you visit, bring your own shampoo and conditioner. The Blue Lagoon has some to use, the second baths in Mývatn just have a foamy multipurpose soap and no conditioner. They say the Mývatn water isn't as hard on your hair as the Blue Lagoon but the tip of my braid got wet and it felt the same to me I read that a shampoo and conditioner without protein is the best option for cleaning hair after the baths, but a little research will tell you everything you want to know!

 

[lpm23]

Wow you have done so many ABDs. how do you manage to fit them all in? do you do multiple each summer?

What are your thoughts on the amount of coach / travel time on this trip? that's the only thing holding me back from booking it. Also, were there a lot of junior adventurers on the trip or were most of the kids teens?

thanks!

 

[CrazyZeus1]

Wow you have done so many ABDs. how do you manage to fit them all in? do you do multiple each summer?

What are your thoughts on the amount of coach / travel time on this trip? that's the only thing holding me back from booking it. Also, were there a lot of junior adventurers on the trip or were most of the kids teens?

thanks!

We do multiple trips a year My husband is retired and we homeschool so we have a flexible schedule and fully believe that travel is the only thing you spend money on that makes you richer!!

re: Coach Time. In total, this trip has the most coach time of any we've done. Considering the distances across Iceland and ALL there is to see and do, we expected it! The guides are always great about making coach rides fun with games, trivia, movies, quiet time, information and sigh seeing, etc. The itenerary is also built well in that there are good stops along the way for bathroom breaks and they've turned a number of these breaks into interesting stops (visiting a dairy farm, having ice cream, and a potty stop... another was visiting a wool weaving factory for a little tour, shopping, and bathrooms... stuff like that). Come prepared for some considerable coach time BUT know that it's worth every minute needed to get to all these amazing places! There's also a bathroom on the coach if needed

There was my son (15) and a 12yo and an 8yo who all seemed to be just fine. My son listened to music with Hubby and the other two boys enjoyed the time to play electronic games together a lot of the time. Happy to answer any coach-specific questions if you have any!

 

[CrazyZeus1]

DAY 1: VELKOMINN

This trip is unique in that it starts with a transfer directly from the airport to the Blue Lagoon and THEN a transfer to the hotel. Some helpful info about Blue Lagoon:

Blue Lagoon:

When you arrive and check in, you're given a wristband with a scan chip, a towel, robe, and a pair of flip flops (yours to keep... cute white flops with Blue Lagoon logo ). The day is explained to you and they are happy to answer questions so don't be afraid to ask!

When you enter the locker room, you'll find an open locker to store your things . You'll use your wristband chip to lock your locker (no need to keep up with a key). There are signs on the wall that show how to properly lock your locker. If you have any trouble there are locker room attendants that can help you.

You'll be expected to take your towel with you to the showers and everyone is expected to wash bodies before entering the lagoon. There are many private enclosed shower stalls so you have privacy as you want it. They offer body wash and conditioner in the showers for you to use. IF YOU WANT TO GET YOUR HAIR WET, just Google how to care for it before and after dipping it into the lagoon.

After you've showerd, you'll head out the marked exit at the other end of the dressing rooms to enter the lagoon.

Once you're in, ABD has paid for 2 Face masks and 1 drink of your choice from the bar (alcohol, sodas, water, etc ). The hard apple cider is AMAZING!

You will be assigned a lunch time so after you're ready to leave the lagoon, you go back to the locker room to clean up and dress. You can still use yoir locker to store everything . You can also wear yoir robe and flip flops to the lunch restaurant if you want to get back in the lagoon afterwards... We saw a number of people do this so don't be afraid!

Lunch had a varied menu and everything we are was outstanding. Can't say enough good things about it! A welcome sparkling wine and a soda were both included with lunch .

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After your time at the Blue Lagoon, you'll have a batch ABD group transfer to the hotel to check in and freshen up as well as time to meet the guides. We had Drew and Stefan and thought they were both wonderful! The Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Marina is nautical themed and what you would expect from a Scandinavian hotel... sort of like IKEA meets marine design! Since we are a family of 3, our room had a Queen bed and a rollaway twin. All comfortable. We are picky about pillows and don't think we've ever found a hotel with pillows we liked so they were a little flat IMO but ya know... add an extra pillow and ROLL WITH IT! The bathroom was appointed with L'occitane brand shampoo, conditioner, and body wash (Since ABD uses all Icelandair hotels on this trip, the amenities in the bathroom were consistent).

We met for a little welcome reception with some yummy munchies, met all our new Adventure family for the week, and then headed over to Bruggjan Brugghus Bistro for our welcome dinner. The Adventure Handbook calls this a "brewery visit & tasting dinner" so I'm not sure what the brewery visit was supposed to be but there wasn't a tour of anything. We sat as a group and enjoyed our wonderful options (which of course I can't remember now but I had salmon, my boys had burgers, and my new friend next to me had lamb... all of it was great!). If you were looking forward to the brewery aspect, have no fear! We were handed a beer and wine menu and given any choices we wanted! I saw lots of beautiful brews served up, and our family became particularly fond of Sommersby Hard Cider.

Dressing Tip For Welcome Dinner: GO CASUAL! Seriously... nobody cares. I may have been the only one in a dress and wedges and it was a mistake... we took a short little stroll to dinner (over which parts were gravel) and my shoe choice was terrible. ha! Stick with sneakers or hiking boots or something comfy and just go casual. Everyone else will be.

After dinner we walked back to the hotel to prep for the next day!

 

[CrazyZeus1]

DAY 2: SEE YOU LATER ALLI-CRATER

Our first big, adventure packed day! A note about this itenerary... we all agreed in our family that this was the single most BUSY trip we've ever been on! There is just so much to see and do and I'm glad ABD didn't skimp on anything. Just go into it expecting some early mornings, lots of adventure, mind blowing scenery...and you'll be ready to go and pleased as punch you're there!

During the day we visited Lake Thingvallavatn (largest lake in Iceland) and got a great lesson about tectonic plates. We visited Gullfoss (Golden Falls) and a geyser field with one called Stokkur that's quite active and predictable!

Lunch was a stop at Fridheimar Greenhouse Farm for a little tour and lunch among the tomato farm greenhouses. The tour was interesting and brief. My husband liked the mechanical & tech side of how massive tomato farming works inside the giant greenhouses. I loved hearing about the bees they bring in from Norway to pollinate (on our tour we even got to see an active Bee Box up close and found the queen-- bees were enclosed and hadn't been released yet into the greenhouse so we weren't swarmed or anything).

The lunch spread consisted of a HUGE table of all sorts of fresh breads and a tomato soup that's unlike anything we've ever tasted. It was outstanding! We also had the option to order pizzas (made on flat breads and crispy... my boys had the regular and I had a vegetarian version and both were super). On the tables were a number of herbs, oils, and spreads you could add to your soup, bread, or pizza... there were even fresh basil plants with scissors so you could cut some and add to your food. These family run businesses that have incorporated agritourism are some of our favorite stops because you can see the passion behind their business.

From lunch, we ventured to Kerid Crater for an easy hike around the rim and then a hike down the steps into the crater itself for pics at water level. SO pretty!

Horseback riding was next, and we had been really lucky so far because the weather was cooperating and wasn't too bad. A little rain here and there, but by the time we got to the riding center, we had dry skies and nobody got wet. Was told it was the first riding outing this season that was dry... so just be mentally prepared for any kind of weather! The riding center has pants, jackets, and gloves you can wear to keep dry if you need them, and all were require to wear helmets.

Since our ABD group was 38 strong, they split us into two groups (experienced riders and newbies... which was roughly half and half). The experienced riders suited up and got on the horses first and headed out on their trail. Us newbies were the next group to load up and I would say it maybe took 15 minutes? The riding center folks were really helpful with my nervous son who had never been on a horse... they explained how to make the horse stop, go, left, right, etc. The trail ride was exactly what we expected... with group trail rides you're usually nose-to-butt in a line which was fine by us! The horses mostly knew their job, but you definitely had to redirect them and stop them from eating the grasses along the path... some horses were more well behaved than others and listened better with regards to not snacking This is one instance where I feel like ABD really took the feedback from the first trip(s) into account and adjusted how they managed the large group of riders. I felt like it went perfectly and we all had a great time~

After riding, we headed back to the hotel for dinner at the Slippbarinn (the little restaurant at the hotel) for a good meal. The dessert was most excellent (as were all the desserts on this trip... lots of ice cream, whipped cream, etc because Icelandic dairy is like no other!) I should have recorded what we each ate because now I don't remember, BUT I do remember that my boys had a hamburger and the potatoes that came with them had truffle oil on them So if you don't like that, take note. ha!

This was also Junior Adventurer Dinner and Movie Night and from what we heard they had a fab time playing games and were having so much fun they never made it to the movie!

 

[CrazyZeus1]

DAY 3: I ONLY HAVE ICE FOR YOU

Just to give you an idea of meeting times, this morning's meeting time was 7:30am! BUT... just keep in mind... there's SO much to see and do and I'd rather head out early than miss things sleeping! Am I right?! Also.. bus naps are amazing and rejuvinating and we fully partake

Since we were leaving the Marina hotel today, we needed to move suitcases. In Iceland, there is no such thing as a porter in any hotel. Tourism is in its infancy and the job just simply doesn't exist. It's the only trip we've found this on, and it's just one of those things you have to roll with. IF you need assistance, the guides were more than happy to help move any luggage you need help with. There's just not enough time in a morning for two guides to move ALL bags from all rooms, so for our family it really was a non-issue to bring them down ourselves. The bus driver (Hi Joey!) and guides took the bags once you were in the lobby and loaded all the bags into the coach. We just helped get them down.

I do hope ABD adds this bit of info to their website for Iceland so expectations are set. I always think that's most helpful!

Our first stop was a WET one! The guides were good about helping us know what gear is needed for the following day, so we were ready with our rain jackets and waterproof pants (we slipped ours over our regular pants when needed). Seljalandsfoss is a huge beautiful waterfall with a path behind it! It was a great opportunity for some stunning pics. Behind the waterfall was (obviously) very wet when the wind kicked up and we were glad we had our gear on! Activities like this is where the waterproof hiking boots also came in handy. The guides were positioned through the trail to catch some great pics as well.

One of the most unique and exciting things we all agree that we did on this trip was the Skaftafell Glacier Hike! The crew at the hike center were experts at fitting you for crampons (they also have shoes to borrow if yours don't cover your ankles) and after everyone getting crampons and pickaxes, we headed out to the base of the glacier. We had lucky weather for our hike and it only started raining as we started to make our way back down. It was warm enough where we just wore flannel shirts, fleece vests, and rain jackets... although weather varies WILDLY so pack those thick winter jackets just in case. The hike guides are experts and did a wonderful job of making sure everyone was safe and learned a lot!

After the glacier hike, we headed to the glacier lagoon for a boat tour. You definitely want your warm jacket for this because it's COLD. We all boarded a boat and cruised the lagoon, learning about different types of icebergs. We were followed at all times by a "lifeguard" on a RIB boat and I appreciated the attention to safety. This little lagoon tour was one of the most stunning things we've ever done.. and the photos are out of this world! If you like to use a fancy camera, this is a perfect place to do it!

Remember what I said about some days being really long and you've just got to roll with it? This day was the longest and it was worth it... so keep in mind that you'll be exhausted but you earned it! Our dinner was a late one (I think we arrived about 8:30pm) at the Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon hotel. Honestly, we were all exhausted and tired but it was nice to sit and reflect on our big day while we ate a good meal. Drinks were also yummy at this stop. We rolled into the Icelandair Hotel Vik about 11pm and made our way to the room to shower and crash after an AMAZING day! I don't know how we managed to do ALL that stuff in one day but we did and we made so many beautiful memories. I wouldn't change a thing!

 

[CrazyZeus1]

DAY 4: WHALE OF A TIME

Coming soon!

 

[Cousin Orville]

Following along... I'm glad to hear the welcome dinner was at a bistro rather than a hotel meeting room. Sounds good!

 

[CrazyZeus1]

Following along... I'm glad to hear the welcome dinner was at a bistro rather than a hotel meeting room. Sounds good!

It was a big place with lots of wood.. super cozy feeling!

 

[tufbuf]

Some images from Iceland...

Seljalandfoss, we walked behind the waterfalls



JÖKULSÁRLÓN GLACIAL LAGOON



Diamond beach, where else can you see icebergs on a beach?



Godafoss waterfall



Dimmoburgir Lava Labyrinth



MÝVATN NATURE BATHS

 

[sayhello]

Thanks for the report! Some great info.

A couple of questions:

What do you mean by a "warm winter jacket"? I'm from Ohio, so my idea of a warm winter jacket might be way different from your idea of a warm winter jacket.

How gentle were the horses? I've got a bad back, but I've heard the Icelandic horses are really gentle and not a hard ride.

Just to give you an idea of meeting times, this morning's meeting time was 7:30am! BUT... just keep in mind... there's SO much to see and do and I'd rather head out early than miss things sleeping! Am I right?!

Nope!

Sayhello

 

[CrazyZeus1]

@sayhello OMG what a funny comment but SO true... perspective is everything! We are from Texas. ha! When I say "warm jacket" I wore a ski jacket, Hubby wore a down puff jacket and son wore a down ski jacket. Does that help?

Re: horse behavior... they were all really gentle as far as I saw. One horse had a bad attitude when guide Stephen got on him so they just put him away for the day I really appreciated the gentle treatment of the horse when he wasn't in the mood for a rider. The most "troublesome" behavior (if you can even call it that) was the desire of a few stubborn horses to stop and eat the grass Just took some practice to show them it's not time to eat. Our newbie group had 1ABD guide on horseback as well as a stable worker on horseback so if any horses decided it was snack time and didn't want to listen the stable worker rode alongside and the horse seemed to know the gig was up. ha!

HOpe that helps!

 

[CrazyZeus1]

Oh.. also @sayhello... since the weather was good, we were given the option to have our horse do the special 5th gait that Icelandic horses do called the tolt. If you are worried about your back, be sure to let the guides and stable folks know this. It was a smooth gait but I would say avoid having your horse try it if you're worried about your back. It's totally optional, and we did it for maybe 50yds at the very end of the ride.

 

[CrazyZeus1]

You can sleep when you're dead! hahahahahahahahahaha

 

[sayhello]

Thanks, @CrazyZeus1!

Sayhello

 

[CrazyZeus1]

Thank you for sharing your awesome pics!!!!

 

[CaliforniaGirl09]

Sounds like a great trip so far—loving the report and can’t wait to hear more. We’ve been to Iceland for a few days but a longer trip is on the list!

 

[Calfan]

Really enjoying your trip report. @tufbuf, thanks for the stunning pics! I was going to comment and ask @CrazyZeus1 to post some pictures. The iceberg pics remind me of some of the stunning scenery in Patagonia, and I don't think I can ever get enough of scenery like that. Like @CaliforniaGirl09 (actually with her), we spent three days in Iceland off of a DCL cruise, and I would definitely like to go back for a more in-depth trip. I love that this sounds like a jam-packed and really active ABD. Those are right up my alley. And I'm loving those hard cider references, @CrazyZeus1. Also right up my alley

 

[CrazyZeus1]

DAY 4: WHALE OF A TIME

After a LATE check in the night before, the early start this day was a little tough. We met at 8am and brought bags down for moving to the next hotel. I won't lie... we were all 3 pretty tired but we rallied and were ready for a day full of adventure! We headed for the Reykjavik Domestic Airport for our 45minute flight to Akureyri. A few notes about checked bags and such:

*The booklet says 1 checked bag per person with max weight of 44lbs, and 1 carry on per person with max weight of 10lbs. I was super stressed about this because of all the clothes and shoes and jackets I thought we needed, and we just accepted that our 49lb checked bags would just have to pay the overage fee. I have no idea what our carry on bags weighed but I'm certain at least 2 were more than 10lbs. The guides said that it's NOT CERTAIN and it just depends on the gate agents, but as of now, none of the ABD travelers have been charged overage fees. That held true for us as well, and we checked 4 bags (for our family of 3), three of which were over the 44lb limit. They didn't bat an eye, just sent our bags on, and nobody weighed our carry ons (and I had two myself).

*The airport is super tiny and casual and there's not even any security line

*Remenber, YOUR MILEAGE MAY VARY and it all depends on the gate agents whether they collect extra fees or not.

The flight was quick and easy and after we landed we headed to lunch and learning in a quaint fishing village. We got to meet Elvar, the proprietor of the fish factory, restaurant, and I'm sure 100 other things. He was THE most amazing host and we spent a lot of time chatting with him. Can't say enough kind things about this experience! The "Rotten Shark Club" experience was not everyone's cup of tea, so you were welcome to wait outside the fish room if you didn't want to taste or smell Those that wanted to try the shark and join the club were given our tastings and down the hatch they went! Definitely a unique experience and one for the memory books. We spent some time learning about fishing, watched Elvar's uncle expertly filet a cod, then headed over to the Baccala Bar for a tasty lunch. Salad, bread & butter, vegetarian lasagna, salted cod, and potatoes were served and I tried all of them... super tasty!

From there, we went one building over and suited up for our whale watching & cod fishing excursion. We wore dry suits that kept us plenty warm (our day was fairly sunny and no rain so we didn't need super warm stuff... but weather can change so the guides can tell you what to expect for your trip). Since the weather was pretty good, our ride was smooth. If you're prone to motion sickness, I would take whatever precautions you normally do because I could see this boat ride being one that gets you potentially. I get sea sick but had no problems...but again, it all depends on the weather which can change!

We headed out into the fjord and a local guide was above the bridge with a microphone to call out any whales so we could all see them. Guide Drew was a master of pointing out puffins in the water! We stopped along the way for everyone to have a chance to fish from the boat if they wished. Lots of folks caught fish and the boat guides were there to help take the fish off the hooks and set them back in the water.

That evening we checked into the hotel in Akureyri and then it was an evening on your own. We heard lots of stories about great food at different restaurants. We were ready for some down time so we chose a little 10 minute walk to the market near the hotel. Picked up bread, jam, peanut butter, and a bag of chips (for a total of $23USD... hahhah) and just had sandwiches in the room. We were just talking today about how good they were and how it was exactly what we needed for the night! Hit the spot for sure. haha

 

[CrazyZeus1]

@Calfan I need to figure out how to do pics in the post but I will put some in!