Iceland only gets<\/a> 2 – 4 hours of daylight in midwinter, which provides endless opportunities to look for aurora borealis.<\/p>\nThe summer months are a chancier proposition with the long hours of daylight.<\/p>\n
Weather also plays a role. When clouds and rain appear the Northern Lights are far less likely to be seen. That said, when conditions are right they can be seen from nearly any relatively underpopulated place in the country.<\/p>\n
A round-trip Arctic cruise sailing expedition from the top of Iceland to the island of Grimsey and back is another chance to meet up with the gentle giants of the deep (especially Minkes, as well as White-beaked Dolphins and Harbour Porpoises) while sailing completely clear of any sort of man-made light pollution.<\/p>\n
Ready to enjoy the vacation of a lifetime. When planning your trip around seeing the Aurora Borealis, be sure to maximize your vacation by going the right season. If you choose a cruise, this is important as well.<\/p>\n
Blue Lagoon Iceland<\/h3>\n Iceland\u2019s Blue Lagoon is the perfect choice for those wishing to warm up their northern lights experience. The lake is a light, opaque blue and its mineral waters provide an idyllic spot from which to lie back and observe the spectacle of the aurora borealis.<\/p>\n
The Blue Lagoon is not the most common place for the Northern Lights to occur. Those who luck out at the Lagoon can easily take short night-trips to several nearby destinations where the lights are more frequently seen.<\/p>\n
Many package tours involving northern lights sightings are available and gift experiences are very popular. For those trying to find a gift for someone adventurous who\u2019s into everything from zorbing to ice-skating, giving the gifting of a trip to the northern lights is sure to be a present that won\u2019t disappoint!<\/p>\nMagnificent Iceland Geyser<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/span>Iceland Gas Stations<\/span><\/h2>\nIt’s sensible to bear in mind that outside of Iceland’s few cities, the population is sparse. It’s possible to drive for miles without seeing another car. This means that conveniences like gas stations and restaurants are few and far between. That’s why it’s a good idea to fuel up both the car and yourself at every opportunity. You never know when you’ll have another chance.<\/p>\n
Similarly, most people who drive the Ring Road bring along a supply of toilet paper. Rest stops are nonexistent, and it’s impossible to always wait for a gas station. The seasoned Icelandic road tripper grows comfortable with relieving themselves in the wilderness. Fortunately, the relative lack of people makes this process slightly less uncomfortable.<\/p>\nIceland Ocean Coast<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/span>Renting a Car in Iceland<\/span><\/h2>\nMost people arrive in Iceland by air. Renting a car at the international airport is possible. However, it’s also possible to hire one in Reykjavik, which is about 30 miles from the international airport. Those who go this route can get a shuttle from the airport to their hotel in Reykjavik.<\/p>\n
Rental agencies in the city will bring the hired car to the hotel or will arrange for transport for you to pick up the car. Regardless of where you rent, it’s virtually always less expensive if you reserve a car in advance. Many of the larger, better known rental agencies are represented in Iceland. You may be able to get service that is just as reliable for a cheaper rate by going with one of the local agencies instead.<\/p>\nIceland Cave Tours<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nCar hire companies in Iceland typically let you choose between unlimited and limited mileage plans. If you’re planning to drive the Ring Road, then the unlimited plan is certain to be the best bet. That’s especially true if you plan to wander away from the main road, which is highly recommended.<\/p>\nIceland Farm Coast<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/span>Iceland Accommodations<\/span><\/h2>\nAccommodations in Iceland are varied but you will have options.<\/p>\n
\nHotels in Iceland:<\/strong> There are few hotels outside of the larger cities like Reykjavik. Those that you do find are likely to have few frills, and you may not have a private bathroom. Still, hotels tend to be clean and adequate.<\/li>\nGuesthouses:<\/strong> Guesthouses in Iceland are a more plentiful option. These usually consist of rooms in private houses. Again, private bathrooms tend to be in short supply, but many of these accommodations do have cooking facilities and are generally affordable.<\/li>\nStay on a farm in Iceland:<\/strong> A variation on the guesthouse theme is the farm holiday. A stay on a farm is part of the classic Icelandic road trip experience. Many of these accommodations are well-equipped, cozy and offer plenty of privacy. <\/li>\nCamping in Iceland:<\/strong> Heartier summer travelers might try camping. Nice campgrounds are found on the outskirts of practically every town and village. Many are located near geothermal pools. Some of the better equipped facilities have electricity, washers and dryers and showers.<\/li>\nHostels:<\/strong> Twenty-five hostels are also found throughout the country, making for another convenient and economical choice.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nWaterfall Iceland<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/span>Using your Mobile Phone in Iceland<\/span><\/h2>\nStaying in touch while driving the Ring Road is remarkably convenient, mostly because Iceland’s rate of cell phone ownership is so high. This means that network coverage is excellent in the cities and along the Ring Road’s entire distance.<\/p>\n
The bad news is that people traveling from North America are unlikely to have a cell phone that will operate in Iceland. It’s possible to rent a suitable phone before leaving home. GSM phones will work nearly anywhere in Iceland, and being certain to buy or rent such a phone before leaving home is essential.<\/p>\n
Some travelers choose to buy an inexpensive cell phone upon landing in Iceland to ensure that it is appropriate for use in the country. If you plan to do some serious roaming in the back country, even a GSM phone won’t be much help. In this case, you may want to look into renting or buying satellite phone for staying in touch.<\/p>\n
<\/span>What to See on Your Epic Iceland Road Trip?<\/span><\/h2>\nPlanning an Epic Iceland Road Trip: Iceland Coast<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/span>Iceland’s Geothermals<\/span><\/h2>\nOne of the best ways to begin exploring Iceland is with a stop at the Blue Lagoon Spa. Found outside of Reykjavik, the Blue Lagoon is one of the country’s most popular spots for enjoying a soak in geothermal seawater. It’s a marvelous introduction to Iceland, featuring fresh air, breathtaking landscapes, refreshingly warm waters, and if you are lucky, the Blue Lagoon Northern Lights.<\/p>\n
On the other side of Reykjavik is the Golden Circle. Exploring this area includes going into Thingvellir National Park. Thingvellir is the site of many of Iceland’s most interesting features. It’s here that visitors can practically see the earth’s tectonic plates being ripped apart where the country’s parliament has been meeting since 930.<\/p>\n
The park boasts other fantastic sites like the now inactive Great Geysir and the unpredictable and still quite active Strokkur. No one will want to miss the thundering Gullfoss Waterfall where magnificent amounts of water fall 32 meters in two dramatic stages.<\/p>\nIceland volcano<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n