{"id":3366,"date":"2021-06-01T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-06-01T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rent.is\/camperstories\/why-not-go-to-iceland\/"},"modified":"2026-05-19T11:33:43","modified_gmt":"2026-05-19T11:33:43","slug":"why-not-go-to-iceland","status":"publish","type":"camperstories","link":"https:\/\/www.rent.is\/de\/camperstories\/why-not-go-to-iceland\/","title":{"rendered":"Why not go to Iceland"},"content":{"rendered":"
\u00a0T<\/strong>his begins two years ago when I wrote, \u201cGo to Iceland\u201d, on a list of things to do.<\/div>\n
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I<\/strong>t seemed a whimsical thing to look forward to. \u00a0My husband and I were going to retire after thirty odd years of teaching and as the date for our final \u201cend of term\u201d arrived, we booked tickets on Icelandair. That conversation around the supper table went like this:<\/div>\n
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-So are we doing this or what? \u00a0<\/em><\/div>\n
-Sure, why not?\u00a0 T<\/em><\/div>\n
-Ok, for how long? \u00a0<\/em><\/div>\n
-Ten days, that\u2019s our max comfort zone for being away. \u00a0<\/em><\/div>\n
-Ah well, let\u2019s go for three weeks. \u00a0<\/em><\/div>\n
-What?! \u00a0Why? \u00a0<\/em><\/div>\n
-Why not? \u00a0Things aren\u2019t going to be the same after this. Let\u2019s break a few rules.<\/em><\/div>\n
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\"Go<\/a>S<\/strong>o we did. \u00a0First rule we broke \u2013 go for more than 10 days. \u00a0Second rule- go camping. We are in our fifties and don\u2019t even camp here in Canada! \u00a0We live in a National Park, so we hike hard all day, climb mountains, visit water falls and glaciers then come home to real coffee. \u00a0But rules are rules, so we booked a car for the first week in Iceland then a camper van for the rest of it. \u00a0We were advised that winter camping<\/a><\/span> might be difficult \u2013 as in brutal weather changes and available sites that were indeed equipped with services- but we thought, why not? \u00a0This wasn\u2019t going to be a holiday or a vacation; this was a celebration of thirty years done and thirty more to come. Why not indeed?<\/div>\n
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W<\/strong>e shuffled about the hall at Keflavik for a half an hour or so, waiting for our car rental person to arrive. They pick you up, and drive you to the lot where you fill in the paper work, inspect the car and off you go. GPS at the ready. \u00a0Siri at the ready.<\/div>\n
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Read more<\/strong>: How to drive in Iceland<\/a><\/div>\n
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W<\/strong>e drove into Reykjavik through a hurricane. \u00a0No lie, the tail end of hurricane Matthew and the left fist of hurricane Nancy were pummeling most of Iceland \u2013 and would continue to do so, off and on for the next three weeks.<\/div>\n
W<\/strong>e were to experience serious ve\u00f0ur <\/em>(weather) and precocious loftslag <\/em>(climate, as explained on the back of the air sickness bag on the plane). \u00a0This afforded us the luxury of experiencing all four seasons in a day. Splendid!<\/div>\n
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A<\/strong>fter acquainting ourselves with the beautiful city on foot, we met up with a mutual friend for lunch. \u00a0He gave us two pieces of excellent advice:<\/div>\n
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1 – Always check the weather<\/a><\/div>\n
2 – Go where the sun is.<\/div>\n
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N<\/strong>eedless to say, after checking the weather and drying our clothes on the towel warmer bars, we went North to Akureyri, stopping for requisite photos of sheep, rivers, foss <\/em>(waterfall), plateaus ringing with gold\/brass grasses, solitary churches, and homesteads so clean and well ordered they made our Atlantic coast villages look sloppy. \u00a0(Which, they aren\u2019t.)<\/div>\n
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\"The<\/a><\/div>\n
The Ring Road<\/a><\/span>, has no shoulders. \u00a0Don\u2019t forget this.<\/em><\/div>\n
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\"Reststops<\/a><\/div>\n
\"Resting<\/a><\/div>\n
There are rest stops and pullouts where you can snap photos you your heart\u2019s content.<\/em><\/div>\n
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\"Around<\/a><\/div>\n
In, at and around Go\u00f0afoss.<\/em><\/div>\n
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W<\/strong>e drove the speed limit 90km, of course, and stopped when invited to by the handy road signs \u201csomething of interest\u201d, or \u201crest stop\u201d \u2013 namely a table (sometimes) in a pull out area. \u00a0There are no refuse containers or toilets at these stops. \u00a0Icelandic people believe that you should carry out what you carry in.<\/div>\n
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Reykjavik & The Golden circle<\/span><\/h3>\n
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B<\/strong>ecause of a welcomed chain of circumstances, we found ourselves back on the road to Reykjavik a few days later (after we had taken pictures of the Aurora Borealis). \u00a0We were to pick up and my cousin and her husband, as they were in town for a two day layover. \u00a0That gave us time to do the Golden Circle<\/a>, the Blue Lagoon and eat at excellent restaurants. \u00a0All touristy, all something we wanted to experience, just didn\u2019t know it then. \u00a0And yes, the prices are sometimes jaw dropping, but on the plus side, the food quality is exceptional.<\/div>\n
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\"Street<\/a>\u00a0\"Reykjavik<\/a><\/div>\n
Reyjavik street art and storefronts are as interesting as the museums<\/em><\/div>\n
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T<\/strong>he circumference of the Golden Circle (several out-worldly pretty and mostly free sites) was not prohibitive to drive in a day. \u00a0It is windy and winding and every corner, every cloud lift every cloudburst absolutely enthralled us. \u00a0It was living in that kaleidoscope of humours that allowed us the time to catch up with about twenty-five years of family histories. \u00a0Together in a car for two days, in a place none of us had any \u201cclaim\u201d to, was both, surreal and freeing. \u00a0We left them after two days, at the airport. \u00a0Their time in Iceland was over and our trip was just beginning.<\/div>\n
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\"\u00deingvellir<\/a><\/div>\n
The great meeting place, Thingvellir National Park. <\/em><\/div>\n
Seemed appropriate to meet family there.<\/em><\/div>\n
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Camper van rental pickup<\/span><\/h3>\n
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W<\/strong>e retrieved our luggage from a storage company on the airport grounds \u00a0(at departures and across the parking lot). \u00a0 The rental car company said our vehicle could fit four suitcases and four people but because we were staying longer than a lay over, we had bigger than carry-on luggage) and jumped a shuttle (outside the arrivals area, every 15 minutes or so) to rent.is to pick up our camper van<\/span><\/a>, which we promptly named Zen, because of the license plate ZE N53. \u00a0I am 53 years old, so all omens seemed accounted for. More gas from Olis, (use the key fob as a discount card and a Visa card inside the gas station<\/a><\/span> to pay) a new set of eyes and a healthy appreciation for ve\u00f0ur<\/em>, we were off.<\/div>\n
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\"A<\/a>W<\/strong>e were babes on the land, veritable skraelings<\/em>\u2026 a Nordic term for the first inhabitants Nordic adventurers encountered in North America, literally their word for Inuit, \u201csmall men\u201d. \u00a0As our day became less and less about finding the right route round well marked areas, and more and more about where to eat, sleep and find water, we were reduced to elemental beings and this was perfect.<\/div>\n
W<\/strong>e checked the Lonely Planet for each section of Iceland and although they suggest to travel clockwise, we went counter clockwise \u2013 because of the ve\u00f0ur <\/em>and because we had already \u201cseen\u201d some of the west and north. \u00a0The oft quoted theme of the beauty of having a camper van is that you literally choose your own journey \u2013 is all within intelligent limits. \u00a0As with the ponies in Iceland, our Zen would give us as much as we gave her: \u00a0if we gave her diesel, air in the tires and caution on the roads, she would deliver us safely each night to a place where we could sleep and eat and \u201cwater\u201d.<\/div>\n
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Winter camping<\/span><\/h3>\n
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\"Winter<\/a>T<\/strong>he campsites map<\/a><\/span>\u00a0was a good starting point, however, we found that many of sites were closed. There are two types of closed and these are my system names \u2013 closed 1 means there is no water. Seriously closed, move on. \u00a0Then there is closed 2- there is no one cleaning up after you but you are welcomed to use the facilities that have running water, cooking shelters and flush toilets. \u00a0There are honor boxes and a suggested price per person using the facilities is between 12 \u2013 1600, ISK, depending on the site. Finding these sites feel like good karma, and after a day of driving and checking off site after site, heaven.<\/div>\n
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I<\/strong>n towns, the campsites are usually found beside a golf course (usually those are closed 1), 1-5 km on the outskirts of town (these are also closed 1), in town next to the school, the pool and the biggest church. Seriously, if you can\u2019t find the camping site sign, look for the pool. \u00a0A handy location because of the inevitable \u201cwhere will we shower and void ourselves\u201d question while travelling. \u00a0Some towns go so far as to put the supermarkets (in the west, s\/w, n\/w\u2013 B\u00f3nus, and Netto. Samkaup in the north, n\/w and n\/e) right there in the same area, and if the gods are truly pleased with the work you did that day, the alcohol outlet (V\u00ednb\u00fa\u00f0in<\/em>) is also close by.<\/div>\n
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Read more<\/strong>: What to pack for winter camping in Iceland<\/a><\/div>\n
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S<\/strong>poiler alert: \u00a0Alcohol can be expensive. \u00a0Expect to pay 7800kr for a bottle of any hard liquor. The wine is about the same as home, and the champagne was actually cheaper.<\/div>\n
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\"The<\/a><\/div>\n
The sheep are by turn regal and cute, regardless the weather or the price of alcohol.<\/em><\/div>\n
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\"The<\/a><\/div>\n
Sun breaks through at Vik.<\/em><\/div>\n
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\"The<\/a><\/div>\n
Black sand beaches<\/a><\/span>! \u00a0Vik pictured, but there are many, many, many drop-dead gorgeous spots like this.<\/em><\/div>\n
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\"Diamond<\/a>\u00a0\"Stones<\/a><\/div>\n
We were spell bound by the faces that appeared to us as we watched icebergs float<\/em><\/div>\n
or looked down at our feet. \u00a0Everyday, the orenda (spirit) of Iceland was apparent.<\/em><\/div>\n
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\"Things<\/a><\/div>\n
Viking bird skull. (ha-ha!)<\/em><\/div>\n
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\"On<\/a><\/div>\n
The road. \u00a0It\u2019s not what you\u2019re sure of; it\u2019s what you don\u2019t know.<\/em><\/div>\n
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Akranes<\/h4>\n
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\"Akranes<\/a>\u00a0\"The<\/a><\/div>\n
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\"Colorful<\/a>\u00a0\"Akranes<\/a><\/div>\n
Akranes was delightful, from the brave sea bathers, to the colorful\u00a0<\/em>houses<\/em><\/div>\n
and eclectic street art, there is much to recommend about this place.<\/em><\/div>\n
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\"A<\/a>\u00a0\"Icelandic<\/a><\/div>\n
One of the many Zen moments along the journey- perfect reflection, and a real life Zen pony!<\/em><\/div>\n
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Going home<\/span><\/h3>\n
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S<\/strong>o after 22 days \u2013 10 Oct.- 2 Nov., we kissed our Zen goodbye, reminded Rent.is<\/a><\/span> that her back right tire had been replaced in Vik (they assumed the cost) and walked back to the airport. \u00a0It was a trip worth the two year wait.<\/div>\n
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W<\/strong>ill we wait another thirty years before we return? \u00a0Hardly, there are already two sets of friends eager to see Iceland. \u00a0Although they won\u2019t see it as we did, and we will not see it the same way a second time, there is the taste of Iceland\u2019s extraordinary water in my mouth, the feel of her wind on my face and the purr of Zen\u2019s heating battery lulling me to sleep every night.<\/div>\n
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Even now.<\/div>\n
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T<\/strong>hanks for everything! \u00a0Thanks for answering my \u201cwhy\/why not?\u201d question.<\/div>\n
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G\u00f3\u00f0a fer\u00f0<\/em>, indeed.<\/div>\n
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Paulette Blanchette-Dube<\/em><\/div>\n
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Facebook photos available. \u00a0Follow the links!<\/div>\n
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1 So, Reykjavik be like…<\/a><\/div>\n
2 Akureyri showed up… And be all like<\/a><\/div>\n
3 Akureyri and northern lands<\/a><\/div>\n
4 Akureyi to Keflavik to pick up Jo-Anne<\/a><\/div>\n
5 Back at Reyjavik, with Jo-Anne\u00a0<\/a><\/div>\n
6 The golden circle tour 2016<\/a><\/div>\n
7 Seljalandsfoss et ses environ\u00a0<\/a><\/div>\n
8 Vik and friends<\/a><\/div>\n
9 From Skei\u00f0ar\u00e1j\u00f6kull to Dj\u00fapivogur<\/a><\/div>\n
10 Dj\u00fapivogur to Egilsstadir<\/a><\/div>\n
11 Egilssta\u00f0ir to Vopnafj\u00f6r\u00f0ur to Bakkafj\u00f6r\u00f0ur to \u00de\u00f3rsh\u00f6fn<\/a><\/div>\n
12 Akureyri \u00a0& the northern lands<\/a><\/div>\n
13 \u00de\u00f3rsh\u00f6fn, Raufarh\u00f6fn, Hraunhafn<\/a><\/div>\n
14 Dalvik to Bl\u00f6ndu\u00f3s.\u00a0<\/a><\/div>\n
15 Bl\u00f6ndu\u00f3s Hvammstangi S\u00e6berg\u00a0<\/a><\/div>\n
16 S\u00e6berg to Stykkish\u00f3lmur on the Sn\u00e6fellsnes peninsula<\/a><\/div>\n
17 A sketchbook of Akranes Iceland<\/a><\/div>\n
18 Second last night in Iceland… 31 of October<\/a><\/div>\n
19 Selvogur to \u00de\u00f3rl\u00e1ksh\u00f6fn to Selfoss<\/a><\/div>\n
20 Road home<\/a><\/div>\n
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Read more<\/strong>: \u00a0Travel in a camper van<\/a><\/div>\n
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Happy Camping! \u00a0#CamperStories<\/strong><\/div>\n
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\u00a0Iceland Travel Guides<\/span><\/h2>\n

\"The<\/a>\u00a0\"Hot<\/a><\/p>\n