Iceland

[Ciaran]

Easyjet have just started flying to Reykjavik from Belfast so I've booked flight for me and the wife in February. Can anyone suggest what area of Iceland we should stay, I think I'm going to hire a car to see as much as possible but wanted to know where should I base myself.

It will be our 10th wedding anniversary so would like to book a romantic restaurant as well if possible.

Can't wait!

[Ciaran]

Wow, talk about comprehensive - thanks!

Seems like a lot of apartments to rent, reasonably priced as well.

Edited by Ciaran on Wednesday 9th July 13:44

[Ciaran]

Booked my accommodation, just need to organise a car and plan what things we want to see.

[Ciaran]

JQ said:

I get asked a lot.

I struggle with restaurant recommendations I'm afraid - we don't eat out that much and trends change so quickly that what's cool last year is often closed this year. One comment though - Perlan is not really romantic, much better places in town for that sort of thing. If you're brave try some shark, yuk!!

To be honest, I'll eat anywhere!

[Ciaran]

matt3001 said:

Eat and stay at Hotel Ranga if you can.

Best restaurant on the island. And a great hotel to boot.

No availability on the dates I'm going unfortunately.

[Ciaran]

matt3001 said:

Still try and drop in for a meal if you can

I will indeed, looks really nice.

[Ciaran]

We are away for 3 nights, a bit uncertain about road conditions so will do some reading up before I book the car.

[Ciaran]

Brilliant everyone, thanks.

Care to lend me some money

[Ciaran]

Who did everyone use for car hire?

[Ciaran]

Change of plan, I had booked 3 nights in Reykjavik but I'm now thinking of staying around the Golden Circle. Is that a better idea?

[Ciaran]

I guess I want to see as much as possible so driving back to Reykjavik at the end of each day seems to be a waste of time.

Day 1 spend in Reykjavik, stay the night
Day 2 get up early to collect car and drive around the golden circle, stay in a hotel in the area
Day 3 Vatnajokull National Park - Jokulsarlon Lagoon
Day 4 do the blue lagoon then flight home

Edited by Ciaran on Thursday 10th July 15:09

[Ciaran]

matt3001 said:

I wouldn't even spend a night in Rey - waste of time. Just like every other Nordic city.

Pick up the car and have a couple of nights along the south coast - should easily get to Vik and back in 3 days (inc. BL and Golden circle). Maybe even as far as Jökulsárlón (of bond film fame).

I've never been to a Nordic city

[Ciaran]

I really appreciate everyone's input, thanks!

I'll have a think about the trip over the weekend, I'm away next week so will get myself a guide book to do a bit of light reading.

[Ciaran]

Counting the days down till we head off!

Booked my 4x4 through Blue Car rental, online reviews were very good.

[Ciaran]

Not long to go now, 18 days to be exact - can't wait!

Staying in Reykjavik for a night, driving the Golden Circle then staying in Hella for 2 nights.

Booked a restaurant called Laekjarbrekka for our first night.

Just need to work out how to take night time pictures in case I see the Northern Lights!

[Ciaran]

AWG said:

Just looked it up, looks absolutely awesome yet expensive!

It was booked out unfortunately.

[Ciaran]

matt3001 said:

Tripod / Roof of our hire car (my improvisation) and a camera that allows for manual long exposures.

Panasonic TZ20 of mine with its small sensor captured it with a 60 second exposure. Maybe worth a spare battery, a few of those at -10 outside and the battery will be gone very quickly.

Also be careful with quick temp changes and your camera as that will kill it too.

Cheers

I bought my wife a Nikon D something or other last year so going to use that - providing I can find the instructions!