6 things to do and not in Iceland

Autumn 2012 we went to Iceland. We bathed in natural hot springs, did some hiking, watched waterfalls and hunted down aurora borealis. We present to you the do's and dont's of Iceland.

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The Golden Route

 

Everything to do with Iceland happens in and around capital city Rekjavik. The hotels, the pubs, the restaurant and the bitches are all located here. Reasonably enough "The Golden route" is a suitable introduction to Iceland's absurd nature, but that's just about all it is. A boring waterfall and a view over a national park worthy nothing more than a yawn. The only cool thing is Geysir, where boiling water spurts 30 metres into the air from the depths of the earth.

Conclusion: Mostly boring sights and tons of asian tourists. Not worth it.

Geysir: been there, posed that.  Foto: Andreas Vasstveit

Alice in wonderland 

 

Warm, milky blue water, steam rising from small volcanoes, happy faces all around and beer serving directly into the pool. I feel like Alice the first time she jumped down the rabbit hole. Until my good old thinking box starts asking questions. Perfect temperature at all times, constant flow of steam, a soft bed of sand to place your precious feet on. When the fact that "The blue lagoon" is regulated and controlled dawns upon you, it's like when you find out about Santa. An inconvienient truth.

Conclusion: Too expensive and fake. But then again, the water is blue. Sort of worth it.

The inconvienient truth.  Foto: Eirikur Melberg

Eighth wonder of the world

 

-Norhtern lights or aurora boeralis
-natural phenomena
-majestic display of colours
-speaks for itself

Conclusion: Fascinating. Worth it.

Green lights dancing across the arctic night sky

Another boring waterfall

 

The hike to "Glymur" takes you through mud, fallen leaves and puddles. Not a good combination with patent leather shoes. Remember to cross the river by the log and wire working as a bridge.
We had a better idea and followed a stream to the top only to realize we're on the wrong side of the bloody thing. A shitty view of an already mediocre waterfall. Do an eagle pose and return home.

Conclusion: Long and troublesome walk to a ramdom waterfall. Not worth it.

Foto: Andreas Vasstveit

Freezing cold in the air, lukewarm in the water?

 

In the rolling hills of Hveragerði you can find natural hotsprings. With consistent smoke rising from holes in the earth's crust and sporadic pools of boiling mud it's like being on the moon (not that I've been there). Absolutely a unique place. Start at the bottom, follow the smoke and keep testing the temperature with your hand as it gradually gets warmer thus nearer the source. When satisfied with the temperature, jump in for the experience of a lifetime.
Tip: Bring a pack of eggs, drop them in a hole of boiling water and retrieve them after 10 minutes.

Conclusion: One unique experience. Totally worth it.

Wonder if this random stream is perfect bathing temperature? You're in Iceland, of course it is!  Foto: Andreas Vasstveit

The Westfjords

 

Drive and drive, take a ferry and then drive some more. All the time through a greyish brown lunar like landscape that doesn't change much. Arrive in a desolated little fishing village to find out that wikitravel's listed geusthouses have all closed. The day after drive what takes the best of three hours on what can't really be classified as a road to see, absolutely nothing. We are on the westernmost point in Europe, that's it. No birds in the birdcliff, no epic scenery. Just a lighthouse and a 40 metre drop into the sea. Lonely planet, wikitravel and all of your companions, I have one word for you. Die!

Conclusion: Monotone nature, bad roads, desolated towns. Sort of worth it.

Another piece of absurd nature

Surfing at Europe's westernmost point

Eat
New york has the empire state building. Rekjavik has Svarta Kaffið. A small cave like restaurant specializing in hollowing out a round loaf of bread and filling it with delicous soups of various kinds. Eat the soup, then eat the bread.


Drink
Rekjavik is reknown for it's nightclubs and "The Oyster" located downtown is a prime place for clubbing. Some people tend to be abit stuck up since alot of local celebs and rich bitches hang here. Ignore them and dance the night away.

Don't go: English pub. Because of it's name and a lame spinning wheel (designed to rob you and your friends complete drinking budget) all the tourists flock here like disoriented messenger pigeons.


Sleep
Kex hotel

An old biscuit factory went bankrupt some years back. Many of the workers suddenly stood without a job until one of them said: "Fuck it, I'm gonna buy this baby and make a sweet-ass hostel." A funky and cheap place where backpackers, musicians, travelers and artists from all over the planet collide among the old chests, world maps, typewriters, bird cages and other artifacts.


If you have any tips on what is worth doing in Iceland, drop us a comment!