Iceland

[LePetomane]

Iceland. Where do I start? I am contemplating a trip there next year for photographic purposes. There is a direct flight to Rekjavik from the Twin Cities. My son can get me cheap rates on airfare. I can travel light in order to take more camera gear but how much should I take? I saw a video whee a professional photographer took only a Fuji X100T and had a ball. Where to stay, things to see, how to get around? Thoughts?

Thanks in advance.

Paul

[Shadowman]

My go to source for travel.

http://www.frommers.com/destinations/iceland

[Mike Buckley]

See this thread. Also use CiC's advanced search located in the top right corner of the window to conduct a search of threads that include Iceland in the title.

[kalyt]

Hi Paul

I'v been visiting Iceland two times. Both time we did a hike, and thats defiantly worth the struggle. But of course you have to enjoy camping and hiking, to get anything out of it.

The first time I visited we spend the first couple of days i Reykjavik, and did all the tourist tours. The second time, we rented a car as the first thing. I can only recommend that. The distance between things in Iceland great, so having a car, and not depending on the tourist busses, gives the freedom you a freedom.
On the second trip, we drove by the ring road, if you take this you can't avoid see som photographic tourist attractions. But all of Iceland is so photographic it's almost overwhelming!

I used this site http://www.nat.is to plan both trips. I does not look like much, but it have all the information you need.
I've used these two sites in combination, for some weather forecast - http://en.vedur.is and http://www.yr.no
This last site i used a lot on the first trip, is this one http://www.road.is - Here you can see the road conditions and which roads are open.

Your more than welcome to send me a PM, if you want to know more of my trip

[george013]

Hi Paul

I'v been visiting Iceland two times. Both time we did a hike, and thats defiantly worth the struggle. But of course you have to enjoy camping and hiking, to get anything out of it.

The first time I visited we spend the first couple of days i Reykjavik, and did all the tourist tours. The second time, we rented a car as the first thing. I can only recommend that. The distance between things in Iceland great, so having a car, and not depending on the tourist busses, gives the freedom you a freedom.
On the second trip, we drove by the ring road, if you take this you can't avoid see som photographic tourist attractions. But all of Iceland is so photographic it's almost overwhelming!

I used this site http://www.nat.is to plan both trips. I does not look like much, but it have all the information you need.
I've used these two sites in combination, for some weather forecast - http://en.vedur.is and http://www.yr.no
This last site i used a lot on the first trip, is this one http://www.road.is - Here you can see the road conditions and which roads are open.

Your more than welcome to send me a PM, if you want to know more of my trip

If I remember, if you want to drive of the main road a 4-wheel drive was obliged.

Kalyt,

Did you take your own car by boat from Denmark?

George

[kalyt]

If I remember, if you want to drive of the main road a 4-wheel drive was obliged.

Kalyt,

Did you take your own car by boat from Denmark?

George

Hi George

You properly right. But it is as if all car rental locations only rent 4-wheel drives

No, we flew. But I would like to take the boat, with a stop on the Faroe Islands

[george013]

Hi George

You properly right. But it is as if all car rental locations only rent 4-wheel drives

No, we flew. But I would like to take the boat, with a stop on the Faroe Islands

No, you've to ask for a 4-wheel drive. As long you're on the mainroads a 2 wheel drive is enough.

That's what I had in my mind. My own car full with my stuff and a stop between on the Faroer islands. It only has 2-wheel drive.

George

[LePetomane]

Thanks for the tips. I have lot of work to do. When the time draws closer I will post again inquiring about gear. I have a Fujifilm XT-1 and a few lenses.

[Manfred M]

I've also been there twice and am looking at heading back again in about a year.

Unless you are into sea birds, the wildlife photography will be non-existent. Icelandic horses, on the other hand are a great subject as they certainly can be seen roaming along the south coast.

The information regarding 4x4 is not quite accurate. Any road that has an "F" prefix is restricted to 4x4 vehicles only. A regular car can be used on any of the other roads. The Ring Road (Road #1) is paved for most of the length around the island (there was a short bit east of Hofn that was not). Do not even think of taking a regular car on any of the "F" roads - these roads are largely unpaved and many of the river crossings require you to ford the river (i.e. no bridges).

About 75% of the population lives in the south-west near Reykjavik. Other than Akureyri, in the north, most of the towns are fairly small. Accommodation is quite limited (often B&B) and distances can be quite far between them. The same issue is true about places to eat.

Things to see - the geothermal areas (Golden Circle route near Reykjavik) is quite popular for a very good reason. The landscape is stunning and there are waterfalls everywhere, columnar basalt, iceberg lagoon, etc.. On our first trip (about a week) we rented a normal car and stuck to the south coast. On our second trip we rented a 4x4 and traveled the interior highland roads.