You ever wondered what are the most common animals in Iceland?

<![CDATA[ALUSOARE - Iceland]]>Tue, 31 Mar 2026 12:24:31 +0200Weebly<![CDATA[Fauna around Iceland]]>Tue, 26 Sep 2017 22:00:00 GMThttps://www.alusoare.com/iceland/fauna-around-iceland

I hope you are prepared for a big portion of cuteness overdose, as I have selected the best out of the best from what animals you can commonly find around Iceland

Sheep

They are all over the place, probably more towards the South

Horses

They are mainly everywhere, but for a nice horse-riding experience, try Akureyri.

Seals

Check out more details on my post about "Exploring the Snaefellsness Peninsula"

Puffins

For where to find them check out my post about " Where to find puffins"

]]><![CDATA[Snæfellsnes Peninsula]]>Tue, 28 Mar 2017 22:00:00 GMThttps://www.alusoare.com/iceland/snaefellsnes-peninsula

After the ferry dropped us in Stykkisholmur we took a lunch break at the restaurant right next to the port, Sjavarpakkhusid and it was a great choice. you can check out my TripAdvisor Review

Pokkfiskur -- Blaskel -- Grafinn Torskur

From here we left towards our Hostel in Grundarfjordur.

Accomodation

Grundarfjordur Guesthouse and Apartments
Hlidarvegur 15
350 Grundarfjordur
Iceland
+354 895 6533

and before we got on the road again for the national park we stopped for a coffee break at Cafe Emil (review)

Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Saefellsnes National Park

Some pictures from the road

Skogar museum,Hellissandur

Lighthouse at Nesbjarg

shipwreck and lifting stones

before exiting the park

Seals at Ytri Tunga

Saefellsnes Peninsula is very interesting to explore, we only had one afternoon, bu I definitely recommend to stay at least one full day or 2 halves ;) to be able to take your time to visit also the little villages around.

]]><![CDATA[TOP 7 Waterfalls in Iceland]]>Tue, 21 Feb 2017 23:00:00 GMThttps://www.alusoare.com/iceland/top-7-waterfalls-in-iceland

Clearly waterfalls are endless in Iceland and I mean here everywhere. You end up not stopping anymore. Are you ready? Here the main ones!

1. Gullfoss

You can read more under theGolden Ring post

2. Seljalandsfoss

Get More details from the South of Iceland post

3. Skogafoss

Get More details from the South of Iceland post

4. Svartifoss

5. Dettifoss

6. Godafoss

read more details under North of Iceland post

7. close to Grundarfjordur

]]><![CDATA[Going into the Westfjords]]>Tue, 07 Feb 2017 23:00:00 GMThttps://www.alusoare.com/iceland/going-into-the-westfjords

but before....what about some horseback riding in Akureyri?

We booked our 1h horse tour with Polar Hestar as we had some discount from the hostel (H.I. Hostel) where we were staying. I think if I remember correctly it was 5400 ISK (compared to 6000 ISK). We are all biginner level, I did some horseback riding before, but very limited

the name of my horse was Clara, she was very nice :)

500+ km to go to the Westfjords

it is one of the most beautiful roads I drove on so far. Endless pretty places and hard not to stop constantly. Here an overview

Accommodation

Bjarkarholt Guesthouse
Bjarkarholt
451 Hagi
Iceland
+354 777 5777

Latrabjarg and the Puffins

ok, so I am fully and completely in love with these small little birds: THE PUFFINS!!!
but first thing's first. We've been there in June and there were a lot. I read online you should go in the evening, but we went in the morning and there were enough birds and not too many people.
Make sure you have enough gas as there is no gas station around. Main part of the road is off-road so it it is rainy best to have a 4x4, If dry, a regular car will do just fine. We traveled with a Ssang Young.

Road to Latrbjarg

and finally.....the PUFFINS

they are a lot and they are right there. no need for fancy camera or anything, a regular phone will get you the ultra cute picture

Some facts about puffins:

They mate for life: Puffins have lifespans averaging 20 years, and unless a partner should die, they return to the same mate year after year.
They tag-team raising their baby: Both parents incubate the single egg laid each year and take turns fishing to feed their baby.
A puffin can fly as fast as 55 mph. Compared with other auks, which tend to stay just a few feet above the sea, puffins usually maintain a cruising altitude of around 30 feet.

(Source & Source)

From here we went to catch the Ferry at Brjanslaekur to cross over to the Snaefellsness peninsula. We just stopped a bit to a cool beach on the way

although long and remote, adding the trip to the Westfjords to your Iceland itinerary is totally worth it and recommendable.

]]><![CDATA[Myvatn vs Blue Lagoon]]>Wed, 24 Aug 2016 22:00:00 GMThttps://www.alusoare.com/iceland/myvatn-vs-blue-lagoon

I decided not to go to the Blue Lagoon as it seems to me too expensive in the high season and also because I read that Myvatn natural baths are as cool and at better rates. Now of course it depends if you actually go till North East of Iceland to reach them, but if so take them into account when you make your Iceland itinerary

Myvatn Natural Baths

Myvatn Nature Baths

Program
Summertime
(1. June - 31. August): 09:00 â€“ 24:00
Entry no later than 23:30.
â€‹
Wintertime
(1. September - 31. May): 12:00 â€“ 22:00
Entry no later than 21:30.

Prices
Summertime 15/05 - 15/09
Adult single ticket: 4000 kr
Teenagers (13-15): 1500 kr
Handicapped, Sr. citizens, Students: 2500 kr

Wintertime 16/09 - 14/05
Adult single ticket: 3500 kr
Teenagers (13-15): 1500 kr
Handicapped, Sr. citizens, Students: 2500 kr

There is a small Canteen over there where you can grab something to eat, food is good but prices are a bit high. I paid for salad and smoked salmon 4000+kr

Blue Lagoon

as said I decided not to pay the entrance at the blue lagoon, but my sister really wanted, we went with her there. She said that it is a very big difference between the 2 and Blue Lagoon is totally worth the money.
Check the schedule Here and note that pre-booking is needed. please note prices vary between summer/winder and also the hour when you plan to go.

if you have the money and the time, try both out, if you reach the North then you can save some money with Myvatn ;) if not, you can go to Blue Lagoon. If you don't want to go in, then you can also explore the area as there are some places you can walk around.

]]><![CDATA[SouthEast Iceland]]>Fri, 08 Jul 2016 10:47:52 GMThttps://www.alusoare.com/iceland/southeast-iceland

We tried to reach Landmannalaugavegur but the road was closed. As far as we read online it was only supposed to open on the 15th of June (road F208) and we were there on the 12th. A real pity.

Going back to our next stop we got a bit distracted on the way and stooped from some pictures :)

Fjadrargljufur Canyon

The canyon is 100 m tall and 2 km long, so you can have a very nice little walk once you get there.

The mossy floor with trails that seemingly lead into an abyss, and the blue waters with the occasional waterfall make you feel like you are surrounded by fairies and trolls (and ask any Icelander, you just may be!). (Source)

It's a very relaxing walk with wonderful view and for sure worth taking the time to look around.

Skaftafell National Park

but before everything else it's lunch time, so why not take a break and grab something to eat.

with energy level back up, it's time for some tracking :).

We decided to mix and match a bit the hiking routes available so we followed S2-S3 to Svartifoss

The waterfall is surrounded by dark lava columns, which gave rise to its name - svarti (black) foss (fall). The design of the Hallgrimskirkja church in Reykjavik was inspired by these rock columns.

Going a bit back, you will need to take left following S5-S6 road to reach the Skaftafellsjokull glacier

the first part is very easy just regular walking no skills or special training needed and you'll end up seeing this:

It's really impressive to see how the ice is actually melting. It's quite easy to picture that all the water down there was actually par of the glacier at some point.

with some zoom on it

and once you can take your eyes away you can follow the red S5-S6 back to the tourist center. I don't know why it is red, it's an easy road maybe just long, but no real challenge.

Jokulsarlon

means "glacial river lagoon" and it is situated at the head of the Breidamerkurjokull glacier, it developed into a lake after the glacier started receding from the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. The lake has grown since then at varying rates because of melting of the glaciers. It is now 1.5 kilometers (0.93 mi) away from the ocean's edge and covers an area of about 18 km2 (6.9 sq mi). It recently became the deepest lake in Iceland, at over 248 meters (814 ft), as glacial retreat extended its boundaries. The size of the lake has increased fourfold since the 1970s. It is considered as one of the natural wonders of Iceland. (Source)

We did not book the trip with the boats as we had very limited time and also it was a bit expensive, but we could get a nice view also from the shore. watch out: it is cold!

Accommodation Hofn

Guesthouse Hvammur
Ranarslod 2
780 Hofn
Iceland
+354 478 1503

The place, not the best, but you don't really have to much options

]]><![CDATA[South of Iceland]]>Fri, 08 Jul 2016 09:01:50 GMThttps://www.alusoare.com/iceland/south-of-iceland

after the Golden Circle it's time to go further towards Vik. Several stops are planned on the way, but here a view you'll see a lot in the area...extensive Lupin fields..LOVE them! :)

so leaving Kerid we stopped for lunch at one of the gas stations on the way to gain some energy. the people were super friendly so we even got free hot water for soup :)

Seljalandsfoss

First water fall we saw was also my favorite one of the day.
The waterfall has 60m and originates in the famous volcano that erupted Eyjafjallajokull.
Cool thing about it is that you can go behind it.
Recommendation: get waterproof cloths, if windy you will definitely get wet.

Seljavallalaug Pool

You've probably heard or if not you can find out now, Iceland is a paradise for swimming in hot springs. While I was planning the trip to iceland I came across iheartreykjavik page who was recommending this place as a hidden gem. I would say it is and it is not in the same time. The walk there is nice, I mean look around :) so if you have time then you should go. Otherwise don't stress it's not that spectacular. Get your swimming suit along if you plan to take a bath. You have some sort of changing rooms (poorly maintained, but is on voluntary basis). There is no toilette â€‹over there.

one more thing. how to get here? Google Maps does not find the location on the gps, so what we did we searched for the pool on google maps and then dropped a pin. Plus once off-road you can follow map below:

photo credits to dana

Skogafoss

The waterfall has 60m and originates in the famous volcano that erupted Eyjafjallajokull.
According to legend, the first Viking settler in the area, Prasi Porolfsson, buried a treasure in a cave behind the waterfall. The legend continues that locals found the chest years later, but were only able to grasp the ring on the side of the chest before it disappeared again. The ring was allegedly given to the local church. The old church door ring is now in a museum, though whether it gives any credence to the folklore is debatable. (Source)

you can climb on top of the waterfall for a great view. There are approx 385 big stairs and another 36 small ones to climb.

Dyrholaey Arch & Reynisfjara

going further towards Vik, we arrived quite late at the Dyrholaey Arch so we only stopped at the side of Reynisfjara although late the light during this period of the year (June) is helping going around till late.

Reynisfjara

This beached is considered to be the most beautiful black sand beach in Iceland and one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

Dyrholaey Arch

According to folklore, two trolls attempted to drag a ship to land but were turned to stone as daylight broke, turning them into the Reynisdrangar stacks, clearly visible from the beach. (source)

The waves at Reynisfjara are especially strong and unpredictable, and fatal accidents have occurred at this beach, so people are advised to take extra care when visiting the area. (Source)

and yes! this is a place where you can spot puffins but to get a picture of them you need a lens with quite some zoom

Sony a5100, lens 50-210mm

went back to our guesthouse and managed to go to sleep around 1:30 AM .. with that light hard to realize you are actually tired. The morning we got up with this view

cute, right? :) .. one last stop before starting our 3rd day plan

Vik

Vik lies directly south of the Myrdalsjokull glacier, which itself is on top of the Katla volcano. Katla has not erupted since 1918, and this longer than typical dormant period has led to speculation that an eruption may occur soon. An eruption of Katla could melt enough ice to trigger an enormous flash flood, potentially large enough to obliterate the entire town. The town's church, located high on a hill, is believed to be the only building that would survive such a flood. Thus, the people of Vik practice periodic drills and are trained to rush to the church at the first sign of an eruption. (Source)

walking through lupin fields to reach the beach

keep an eye on what's next ;)

Accomodation

Guesthouse Vellir
Vellir, Vik, Iceland
Phone:+354 487 1312
it was very expensive I would say, but it was the best option we found. Book as early as possible.

]]><![CDATA[Golden Circle]]>Fri, 08 Jul 2016 09:01:27 GMThttps://www.alusoare.com/iceland/golden-circle

The Golden Circle is probably the most visited part of Iceland. First because you can drive it with a 2WD car, second because you can do it over the weekend if you take Icelandair mystopover deal and third that you see a lot of the different landscapes you can find in Iceland over a smaller area.
Even if you do the complete ring I still suggest you to go, it is quite special.

Beat the crowds

Leave early from Reykjavik to beat the crowds. We left at 8AM so we managed to be a bit in front of most of the bus tours. Keep in mind that July & August is the busiest time (as probably almost everywhere)

Thingvellir national park

You can spend loads of hours here walking around, you can even scuba dive and get to the place where the 2 tectonic plates (The North American and the Eurasian one ) meet and so much more, but of course it depend on your plan.

Drekkingarhyulur

Pingvallakirkja

vegetation

Gullfoss

It stands for "Golden Falls" and it is one of the moment popular waterfalls in Iceland. Although neither the highest, nor the widest nor the one having the biggest debit, Gullfoss waterfall is at least to say impressive.

Strokkur (the baby Geyser)

The name Geysir itself is derived from the Icelandic verb geysa, "to gush", the verb from Old Norse. (Source). The Great Geysir, or Stori-Geysir, has been dormant since 1916 when it suddenly ceased to spout. It came to life only once in 1935, and as quickly went back to sleep.(Source)

Strokkur (the churn) is currently the most energetic spouting spring in Iceland. It spouts every few minutes, sometimes to a height of 40 m, yet generally less than 10-20 m. We know little of Strokkur's age and past history. It was set off during an earthquake in 1789, having then been quiescent for some time. (Source)

Strokkur, preparing

Strokkur in action

after staying to watch a couple of spouts we went back to the car and drove towards the last stop on the Golden

Kerid Lake

Often overlooked from the Golden Circle itinerary, Lake Kerid offers a gorgeous view and a nice walk around. Kerid is a volcanic crater lake located in the Grimsnes area in south Iceland.

you have to pay an entrance fee of 400ISK but this is almost nothing considering that you pay for toilette 200ISK ;)

The golden circle tour ends here but we continued our road towards Vik. Stay tuned ;)

]]><![CDATA[Reykjavik]]>Fri, 08 Jul 2016 09:00:22 GMThttps://www.alusoare.com/iceland/reykjavik

Ready for a wonderful and exciting adventure in Iceland but let's not hurry. First thing's first: Reykjavik.

Renting a car/shuttle bus

From the airport you can reach easily the city with a shuttle bus. The bus will wait for you so no stress, if there is a flight delay, there is a bus. Alternatively and I would say a better option would be to rent a car, you will anyway need it roadtrippin' around. We rented our at sixt (discount from my work) but I read that sadcars is a good option. But hey, there are plenty of car rentals and most of the car fleet is new so check around, book early and online for discounts.

Where to sleep

We stayed at OK Hotel, rates were good and the localtion excellent, the place was nice and the bar that they had looked very cool

Icelandic Food

ok, it depends on tastes, but I am not a fan. Here a bit of what we tried, more details you can read my posts on TripAdviser

Snack - Beztu Pylsur - Hot Dog
It is said to be a must try in Reykjavik, but I was not impressed, far better (comparatively) the 0.50 cent IKEA hot dogs

Coffee&Tea - Te&Kaffi
It's a good place to have coffee, offering a nice spot for people watching (I love doing this :) )

Dinner - Cafe Loki - Icelandic food
Food has very strong personality and I don't think there is a in-between. You either like it or not.

Beztu Pylsur

Te&Kaffi

Cafe Loki

Streetart

There is street art almost everywhere, which of course made me very happy, Just to give you an idea about it so of the murals I found around

and some different street art :) nice thought

Hallgrimskirkja Church

it's an impressive 73m high Lutheran Church in Reykjavik. It's hard to miss :)

Sleeping at Keflavik Airport

It's not a good idea :( We decided not to book another hotel night as we were all leaving at early hours in the morning so it would not make a lot of sense. But if you decide to do the same take into account that you can't drop off your luggage nor pass over in the duty free area up to 3:30 AM. Now they also say that security will not leave people sleep if they see them "camping" but I saw them passing by and did not bother.

You have the main things you need to know in order to buy a ticket and plan a trip to Iceland! Now you need to discover the story of the road trip.

]]><![CDATA[Do you need a 4x4 in Iceland?]]>Fri, 17 Jun 2016 15:19:03 GMThttps://www.alusoare.com/iceland/do-you-need-a-4x4-in-iceland

it depends on mainly 2 things

what you want to see
when you want to go

We had a 4WD and I am happy we did no stress anywhere on the road (except f-roads that were still closed)

Road to Landmannalaugar 13 June

we went there in June so if you mainly go on the ring road and not planning to go out of it, then there is no need for a 4x4. If you want to do any special trips it might be that without a 4x4 you won't be able to go. For example our road to Latrabjarg if it rains you can't pass by a 2WD or at least this is what the owner of our hostel told us.

Road to Landmannalaugar 13 June

shortcut from Vik

Road to Dettifoss

Svortuloft Lighthouse, saefellsnes peninsula

Latrabjarg

so, it is basically up to you, you can enjoy Iceland for sure with a 2WD but if you want to go off-road...might be safer for you to get a 4WD.

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