Best Things To Do in Iceland: Interview (Part 1/2)
Updated: Aug 21, 2023
This post will open a new category of posts on this blog - interviews with people I know who are eager to share their experience of amazing recent trips and / or life abroad.
Let's get started with the interview about Iceland, the country that our friend Egor (interviewee) called "the most beautiful country in the world", and promised to tell, why, and to disclose the best things to do in Iceland, based on his recent experience.
The main points covered in this post - 1st part of the interview - are as follows:
Marie: Hi Egor, you are just back from another trip to Iceland. You once said that Iceland is the most beautiful country you have even visited. Why do you think so, and what impressed you the most?
Egor: Hi Marie. Definitely! Iceland is a breathtaking place due to its unique and diverse natural landscapes. What power and beauty of nature! I was super impressed by the volcanoes and geothermal areas. You need to see these pictures!
Marie: Thanks, it looks amazing indeed. How much time did you spend in Iceland? How did you travel there, did you rent a car?
Egor: Overall, we spent 5 full days in Iceland. We came by plane from Dusseldorf (check out the tickets on Aviasales, to see the best offers), and then we rented a car at the airport of Reykjavik.
Marie: Which car was it and where did you rent it? How much did it cost?
Egor: Car rental in Iceland is rather expensive comparing to other European countries, but travelling by car is still the most convenient way to explore the island.
We rented a Suzuki Jimny at a local rental company Blue Car Rental. They provided completely hustle-free experience. Daily cost with extra insurance was around EUR 160. Check out the rental car suggestions on the Expedia website, to compare between different offers. Also, I would strongly recommend adding extra insurance for windows “Sand and ash protection”, as our windshield got some scuffs on gravel roads which were covered by insurance.
Marie: I know you are a big car fan. Did you notice anything particular about the car culture in Iceland?
Egor: Oh, yes! It was unusual to see so many trucks and lifted SUVs there were comparing to mainland Europe. You can rent such cars or sign up for an off-road tour and explore this beautiful island even deeper :)
Marie: Wow, I see, it’s a perfect place for car lovers. Overall, were 5 days enough? What did you manage to see in Iceland?
Egor: I think it is OK for the first time comers. We managed to see the major attractions in the southern part of the island, and explored Reykjavik as well.
Marie: Did you like Reykjavik? Which place did you like the most?
Egor: To me, the remarkable place was Rainbow Street - it looks stunning. Also, one of the most well-known attractions in Reykjavik is Hallgrimskirkja – the 73m cathedral, one of the tallest buildings in the island. For nature lovers I would recommend Hljomskala Park with a nice lake in the center of the city, lots of birds and surrounded by lots of historical buildings nearby.
Marie: You know me, I love nice food. Can you recommend a few nice places in Reykjavik?
Egor: We went to Le KocK and Icelandic Street Food - the places are relatively affordable, you can try decent burgers and nice local draught beer. For nice coffee and amazing toast to start a day, check out Reykjavik Roasters.
Marie: Looks nice! Tell me about prices. What I the average price for a lunch or dinner for two people in the places you mentioned? How much does it cost in more fancy places?
Egor: From our experience the average lunch cost for two was around ISK 7k (EUR 50). And each time the food was delicious! We have not been to a fancy place during our visit, but expect higher cost and suggest to book in advance.
Marie: Thanks Egor. So, where did you go after Reykjavik?
Egor: Before that, let me clarify something: first, once we arrived to the airport and took the car, we drove to Blue Lagoon, and then we went to Reykjavik.
Blue Lagoon is an amazing place, just 30-40 minutes drive from the airport. It is one of the most iconic and popular attractions - the geothermal spa located in a lava field on Reykanes Peninsula. You can swim in the natural outdoor pools any time during the year, the water is quite hot - around 37-39°C (99-102°F).
Marie: Sounds interesting - you need to go to Switzerland and then tell me whether it can be compared with Leukerbad or Lavey-les-Bains Swiss thermal complex (as I mentioned in my other posts). But how does it work in Iceland? Was it crowded?
Egor: As I said, it is one of the most popular places there, so it is better if you book your entry tickets in advance. I have not been to Swiss thermal baths yet, but in Blue Lagoon you can also try out the spa facilities, various treatments etc. Also, they give you a free drink and a free face mask when you book the ticket. Also, there is no time limit to spend in the lagoon!
What I liked the most was the colour of the water (it was indeed blue!) and the stunning landscapes around the place.
Marie: Now I am eager to see it for myself… So, what else did you like there?
Egor: I recommend to visit Strokkur geyser area - it is just around 1.5 hours drive from Reykjavik. Explore all the geysers in this area, the views are breathtaking.
Marie: Looks amazing. By the way, what is the Glacier Lagoon that you once mentioned?
Egor: Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is a bit far away from Reykjavik - 380 km, so I would leave it to the end of the journey. The lagoon is the result of the glacier retreating due to the global warming, creating a lake filled with floating icebergs. I would recommend to take a boat tour on the lagoon to get up close to the icebergs. Also, it's the best place to observe the swimming seals.
Dear reader, we are not done yet - the second part of the interview will follow within the next couple of days. You will learn, what are the best places for hiking in Iceland, see amazing pictures of Black Beaches and get more insights regarding the costs for 5 days trip and learn more hints and tips to help you to plan your perfect trip to Iceland.
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