Iceland Travel Guide (No BS) - Best Things to do in Iceland

A straight forward Iceland Travel Guide for those looking for information to plan a Iceland vacation and find the best things to do in Iceland. Including the best of the Ring Road and Golden Circle.
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I teamed up with friend and fellow travel KZbinr, Steve Hänisch, of back-packer.org, to set out on a 12-day Iceland vacation adventure around the ring road! Here is his Iceland Travel Guide:
www.back-packer.org/iceland-t...
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Go subscribe to Steve's awesome travel channel: / backpackerorg
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☆ MORE INFO FROM THIS ICELAND TRAVEL VIDEO ☆
Iceland Travel Partners:
- Iceland Car Rental - sadcars.com/
- homeaway.com (see below)
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WHERE WE STAYED in Iceland (with HomeAway):
1. Arnarstapi Cottages - bit.ly/Arnarstapi-Cottages
2. Akureyi Nollur Farm - bit.ly/Nollur-Farm
3. East Iceland Cottage - bit.ly/Iceland-Cottage
4. Southern Iceland Cottage - bit.ly/South-Iceland-Cottage
5. Reykjavik Bachelor Pad - bit.ly/Reykjavik-Apartment
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My favorite THINGS TO DO in Iceland::
► Reykjavik & Golden Circle
Iceland's capital city and home to 122,000 people. Reykjavik is the largest city in Iceland and most traveler's jumping off point for the Ring Road and Golden Circle.
The Golden Circle is a popular tourist driving route in southern Iceland, which covers about 300 kilometers looping from Reykjavík into the southern uplands of Iceland and back. There are many Golden Circle tours, but I would recommend doing this with a rental car. Featured attractions include Geysir, Blue Lagoon and Gullfoss waterfall.
One of my favorite things to do in Iceland in this region is the Reykjadalur Hot Springs - A beautiful and unique geothermal river near the town of Hveragerði. It takes about one hour to hike up to the hot springs, so be prepared.
► Central Highlands
► Northern Iceland
Eyjafjörður Fjord - One of the best places in Iceland to see the Northern Lights. Northern Iceland has very little light pollution, so tracking the Northern Lights over the Fjords is a great idea.
Ásbyrgi Canyon - This massive canyon was formed way back after the ice age as melting glacier floods ripped giant divots into the earth and left this beautiful valley and rock walls in its path.
Northern Lights - In order to have the best chance of seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland, check out this website we used to track the cloud coverage and aurora activity.
en.vedur.is/weather/forecasts/...
Dettifoss Waterfall - Said to be Europe’s most powerful waterfall, and we’re getting a unique perspective - by moonlight.
► Western Iceland & Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Godafoss Waterfall - An expansive horseshoe-shaped cascade that’s probably my favorite waterfall of the entire trip.
► Eastern Iceland
Hverir or Namafjall geothermal field - Located in northeastern Iceland around the geothermal region of Lake Mývatn - a vast area of hot springs, sulfur crystals, and boiling mud pots.
► Southern Iceland
Seljalandsfoss - A popular waterfall in South Iceland, and the only waterfall (that I know of) in Iceland that you can walk behind.
Skogafoss - Massive curtain waterfall with a drop of 60 meters and a width of 25 meters, also in Southern Iceland.
Reynisfjara - Incredible black sand beach near Vik with basalt sea stacks to one side and rock formations jetting out of the ocean. Get here early to really appreciate it.
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TRAVEL DEEPER.

[@GarethLeonard]

CORRECTION: Iceland is not a member of the EU, however, they are a member of the Schengen Agreement, which follows similar EU travel regulations. I apologize for misspeaking. If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to ask. Otherwise, I hope you enjoyed the Iceland mini series! Come say hello on Instagram - instagram.com/tourist2townie/

[@lamindanso2931]

I want to no more about Iceland

[@AlexGargilisChannel]

This whole thing is a matter of jack of all trades; master of none. If you are traveling somewhere are you going to take the advice of a fly-by-night narcissist who went there once for a week? Or an insider or a regional specialist? Its perfectly absurd.

[@danielflorezazuola3138]

Also, not only those countries can go to Iceland without a visa. I'm from Costa Rica and I don't need a visa to visit Iceland

[@2010xkr]

Thanks for the video. - This particular point about EU/Schengen hardly even warrants a correction since it makes no difference for practical purposes, so pay no attention to negative comments above. - As an Icelander, I'd say that your video is overall a fair and very useful and informative account. Well done!

[@kalialastra712]

Gareth Leonard I´m planning on going to Iceland in the spring. Are there hostels that we can go and make a reservation at on the same day or do all places require you to reserve in advance?

[@RArtis-xs8so]

Iceland was the best place with the nicest people I have ever met. I'd love to go back one day.

I live here. My advice would be: don't skip anything if you come here, everything is equally beautiful in it's own way.

[@schrodinger_santosmariaisa9980]

bruh adopt me😭

[@moonshadowessentialssoapsn5287]

I wish I lived there. I wish I could visit but I can’t health wise. I love the cold and ice n snow storms n wood stoves and I’d give almost anything to see the northern lights in person. One can wish right!

[@alumansibarani7622]

Hi, may I know where r u in Iceland ? I ll visit Iceland 2021 new year after corona virus end

@@alumansibarani7622 We live in Olafsfjordur : kzbin.info/www/bejne/aaTQh6yEqLBnnsU

[@SithxRaverxLuis]

Lol be my Airbnb for $20 a night

[@0lof_100]

I'm Icelandic and I have travelled all around iceland. I did it with my family to visit relatives and sleep there and it took 2 weeks. And it was amazing seeing beautiful destinations all around iceland in mine and my family 2 week trip

[@ramg8965]

I'm planning to stay there for 30days.Is it possible for you to list me 100 best places I can visit there?

[@adsal100]

So nice to see someone giving a no BS relaxed without the hype review of a travel trip. Excellent.

[@karenl552]

I love this no BS guide. Everything I need to know in a compact video with full disclosure and visuals to boot. 10/10 will be referring to your channel for all new countries I visit.

[@nwsv]

Ásbyrgi is one of my favorite places in Iceland. Went there every summer as a kid. A bit of lore, Ásbyrgi is meant to have been created as Odin's eight legged horse Sleipnir stepped down on Midgard on one of his trips. This is why it's horseshoe shaped.

[@ilessthan3pie934]

I have T-mobile’s international plan and went to Iceland last year. They piggy back off of local carriers so we had ZERO issues. In fact, my signal was better than it is in the US. I was amazed that I had 4G full bar service in the middle of nowhere. We only drove from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik and to Skogafoss from there but had full and consistent service the entire time.

[@dliciousgurl41]

This is a really good video. I went to Iceland last year and everything mentioned was pretty accurate

[@lesliestallard5187]

Thank you for this; described the kind of experience I'm looking forward to in Iceland

[@heida95]

LOCAL TIP: Buy the alcohol at the Duty Free store at the airport when you land in Iceland, it's soooo much cheaper!

[@maninblack9271]

wow... thats totally new to me. that's a rare suggestion. I mean anywhere else, people avoid shopping in airport. so thank you ill keep that in mind. (y)

[@gubjorggisladottir3525]

Even cheaper is to just buy the allowed alcohol at your home, and put it in your suitcase. That is actually what I do when I leave the country.

[@yourpilotjoe]

Thank you for the tip! I’m going next week so I’ll definitely make a stop.

[@karlakor]

​@@gubjorggisladottir3525 Icelandic Customs allows people who enter the country to have in their possession only one litre of strong alcohol and two litres of wine, even if it is bought at Keflavík's Duty Free Shop. This is the limit of alcohol that may be brought into the country, regardless of where it is bought.

[@hhheidi1121]

JnRgaragejams how was it!!! I’m going there this Friday!! Can’t wait 😊

[@hermundurheiarsson9247]

One thing you must keep in mind if you're traveling in Iceland, specially the highlands the weather can change quickly and it can become extremely bad in a short amount of time.

[@montyhades]

I used to take these advices very serious until I kept finding out for myself that most of the time people are either weak/delicate about weather or just plain exaggerated b3cause all the places I have visited the weather hasn't been really that extreme, only one place I went to yes it was crazy.

[@controldeinternet8262]

This is just amazing and so honest and useful. Thanks so much for this. Saludos !

[@puneetkaur2402]

We’re all set to leave for Iceland in a couple of weeks and I found your video really helpful to understand the place. Loved it!

[@emilykearns8857]

Great review ! Very useful and your footage is incredible ❤️

[@pertileluca]

The drone footage are breath taking!!!

[@joemisiak2767]

I was in Iceland this past March on the south coast for 8 days. After watching your series, I want to go back and see the rest of the island. Very nicely done, my friend.

[@marthamcgee8941]

Wow, wow, wow. Stunning scenery.

[@HotInTheCity]

Amazing and beautiful landscapes. Thanks for such a helpful, and honest, video!

[@lisegravel]

This was an amazing video as I am deciding where to do my first solo trip in July. Much appreciated!

[@yousefal9750]

Amazing videos of Iceland ! Thanks a million for sharing

[@emma-louisemountain3041]

Thank you for such a wonderful video Gareth. I am going to Iceland with a friend and wanted a real perspective. Out of all the video research, your is definitely the most informative, real and visually appealing. Thank you

[@swissm8]

great video. i have been to iceland in 2017 and going in two weeks again. done most of the things you recommend. even the shark. thx for this video

[@amedina1017]

Super informative video! I’m thrilled to be traveling there soon, excited!

[@glennanderson4554]

Glad you enjoy and travel as I do. been to Iceland many times and heading back there in a few days. The highlands are not to be missed.

[@celticbhoy75]

Excellent job Gareth! Can't wait to go see some of your recommendations. I leave this Saturday for a 4 day stopover.

[@emmadyer5183]

This was incredibly helpful! Thank you

[@changeoflongitude]

I'm going this September for 2 weeks ...than you so much .Made my trip so much easier to plan...thx again.

[@dorabjorg]

Wilderness Drifter dont lisen to him hes a travelin pig. in iceland we hate pepole like him

[@wyldnfryd]

Excellent video, thank you. We've been before, but are planning a late winter camp van trip and this is very helpful

[@ThePinoyAggie]

Thank you Gareth for the information. This is very helpful!

[@celestegonzalez8852]

Great video, I watched a couple of your others as well. Looking to take a single mom trip, first real overseas trip, with my son next March and planning has been so fun. Thanks for all the tips and reviews of places. Of all the videos I've watched yours was my favorite. Thanks for telling it like it is and showing what it can be like. You all look like you had a great time.

[@anthonysingh3142]

Awesome video and insight Gareth. Thank you for sharing your experiences. Iceland is on my bucket list and I'm from the Caribbean, so definately have to dress warm if i wanna see the northern lights.

[@GarethLeonard]

Haha, absolutely dress warm Antonio! Thanks for watching, and I hope you have the opportunity to experience Iceland as well! Cheers!!

[@goldeeelocs]

You are my go to guy for Iceland...loved your commentary!!!!

[@chiplady7778]

Iceland is a lovely place!! Amazing video

[@karenlaux4554]

thank you - great video! I'm headed there in two weeks for only 3 days, but we plan on seeing as much of Iceland as we can pack in!

[@hanifbashir745]

Million thanks Mr.Gareth for beautiful with lot of information about Iceland...be blessed

[@kennethcenturion6711]

Thank you! Very helpful. Just what we were looking for!

[@Slashplite]

I love the guide. Very informative. 10/10. What I can add from myself - Blue Lagoon was nice 15 years ago, now its a tourist trap full of Chinese tourists. Also everybody in Iceland speaks English, even kids however it would be in good manner to at least learn how to say "thank you, sorry, excuse me, cheers" etc..

[@coralrain6332]

Slashplite Sadly they ruin everything. It’s like that here in Canada. Downtown Ottawa they’re obnoxious and open boat windows along the canal

[@bassplayer60]

thank you Gareth very nice...exactly what I needed! Mahalo!

[@66Norb]

great job Gareth😜cant wait to see your next vlog series✌️

[@Super420Lucky]

Excellent video. So informative. Keep them coming. Great job!.

[@Geoduck.]

Love your enthusiasm! Clearly you guys had a great time visiting those lovely places. I don't mind hiking in the rain or fog if the surroundings are as amazing as your video showed. Off season is often the best season to visit places at least in my experience.

[@davidnaranjo8272]

Awesome video! Thanks for all the info. 👍🏼

[@mojikatofficial]

Great one man!! Thank you so much

[@jamesgough3247]

Great set of videos man easily one of the best vlogs iv seen on Iceland. Definitely going to be checking back for a few of those accommodation locations.

[@Daysesantos100]

Thank you for this great video! I'm going to Iceland soon, it was very informative!

[@nadiaalex8620]

👍 list of things to do, definitely on my bucket full list, and Iceland I must say is beauti 🔥

[@aprilmeireles1698]

What awesome place I wish I could go... Beautiful landscape. So nicely done...☺ Thank you.

[@GabrielTravelerVideos]

Brilliant video Gareth, I'm inspired to go back and see much more of Iceland. Epic drone and nature shots.

[@GarethLeonard]

Cheers Gabriel!

[@janebuitron5570]

Thank you, this video is very helpful and informative. First timer going in November!

[@naomirobinson3579]

Most helpful video I've seen so far. thank you ! :)

[@pamelapham8898]

Awesome video. Thank you for the information. We are heading that way soon.

[@justicekeyes]

Thanks! I appreciate this informative video!

[@luisantoniodiazlozada59]

Excellent job to explain everything about Iceland.like it.I hope to go soon to Iceland to see this beautiful country.thank you.👍👍😃

[@renatofernandez175]

Thank you, I am planning my trip in September and your video is very helpful.

[@rob442]

Great video ... tons on info ... I'm going in July - this was very helpful. Thanks ...

[@uwegrauert7680]

Thank you for your Tipps. We was there in November 2021. It was amazing

[@matthewsmith7019]

Brilliant guide thanks Gareth !

[@joverubalde]

this is a cool video. love the place too.thank you for sharing, have a woderful day!!!

[@renandlacey209]

Thanks for all the great Tips! Took notes for our trip in September.

[@JackandGabExplore]

Such a great video! We're hoping to go to Iceland too and will definitely use his tips!

[@trishaibe6294]

Super informative!! You and Steve are funny

[@gunybrynjolfsdottir8118]

Really good video about my country. Thank you

[@GarethLeonard]

Thanks for watching, I appreciate the kind words. 🙏

[@LyndaWhite-ju1gj]

One of the best videos on KZbin period.

[@Rachelsjourney]

Wow, you nailed it! We went in September 2017. We missed out on the interior, north and the west above Kirkjufell. I wish I had done more research on rental cars and gone with a 4x4. We ordered a regular car from Budget at the airport - quoted $40/day for the car and $15/day for insurance but insurance ended up costing $60/day...yup a total of $100/day for a regular car. We loaded up on food at Bonus and Costco to cook our meals and stayed in a few AirBNBs in Reykjavik and Holsvollur. We had a big storm blow in so we stopped at a couple museums that were not originally on our list but were really well done. I loved finding the less popular spots on side roads. There are gorgeous places everywhere. Iceland...the land of waterfalls, rainbows, horses and sheep.

[@clo289]

Thank you for mentioning the credit/debit part. Was curious about that.

[@Slashplite]

Gareth, if you like vibes like Iceland you should definitely go to Kyrgyzstan. Incredible views, nature, mountains, no tourists, safe, great food, lots of culture and I think there is no visa for Americans and most of Europeans.

[@zaharadubai]

Yes! Love Kyrgyzstan! My 10 year old son and I went hiking and horse riding, stayed in the mountains in a yurt with shepherds - so awesome! And Bishkek was great!

[@jazminepaolabarroga7350]

I love the Iceland series! Watching your videos feels like I’m watching natgeo but more personal

[@albaba5390]

Best photography on Iceland. Video well presented *

[@jeanne25ful]

Wished I had viewed this earlier before I visited Iceland! Had missed many spots. But... Tq for sharing; would love to visit cool Iceland again !

[@stephen8996]

Best place in the world. Can't wait to go back

[@cowboygeologist7772]

Great video, beautiful everywhere. Sounds like a place I need to come back to as a retired Geologist. I haven't been there since 1985 and most of it was in an airplane.

[@bigred4335]

i have seen a lot of great videos about iceland.. i look forward to a visit one day

[@ericksuarez3394]

Love your straight forward honest approach

[@gijononline5431]

Excellent Iceland series! Well done! 👏👍🇮🇸

[@JackandGabExplore]

So great! all the tips are so useful. Love this video!

[@lalamami123]

This is an awesome guide! Thanks!

[@berityoung9307]

This is incredibly informative!

[@JackandGabExplore]

Great video! We really want to go to Iceland now!

[@raffaellalisoni8515]

Amazing video, thanks!!

[@discomaggot3233]

Thank you that helped a lot I’m planning a trip in December

[@jwrappuhn71]

Thanks for the info Gareth.

[@Jaxrus1]

Very entertaining and informative. Thank you.

[@markk516]

Very helpful video. I'm going to Iceland in one week in December.I took some notes and marked my map. Thanks Gareth

[@wildaceentertainmentproduc1834]

I had a long layover in kevlavik coming back to the states from eu...Got a rental car and slept overnight in the parking lot of the blue lagoon. Did a lot of driving around ... such a beautiful country.

[@1dnr749]

glad I watched this before going there in mid JULY. Cant wait!!!

[@davidb0043]

You can

[@elvarg991]

Excellent!

[@DeltadronesBr]

Thanks to your tips i made an awesome trip to Iceland in august/september 2019. 31 days throughout Iceland and a lot of drone videos i made! Thanks a lot!

[@EG-uu3kr]

what month?

[@killerpaws]

thanks for sharing your experience :)

[@alkyfennell]

loveeeeee Iceland, great video man

[@alyciaexmachina]

I appreciate the information! My fiance and I are going for a few weeks in November for the Iceland Airwaves Festival and a road trip.

[@0lof_100]

I'm from Iceland and I have lived here all of my life.🇮🇸 It's so fun being in Iceland in the summer because of heat. But not in the winter because of cold weather and storms and lightning

[@hansdampf4695]

Then go to Athens (Greece) during the summer. The temperature is amount 30 - 40+° Celsius. So much for heat.

[@lidadani5730]

👍

[@danielaacerra4022]

amazing tips ..thank you

[@jeremyb742]

Useful video, thank you !

[@kloatlanta]

Not sure why you don’t have more subscribers...always great videos!

[@damarisfinlin]

Great pretty good information thank u so much!

[@timgreuel8308]

pretty cool Video...thx for so much Information.

[@waynejones1017]

Great content. You deserve more subs!

[@TyHardNeNe]

Thanks so much! Going in Sept

[@ytkdns]

Would recommend a visit to Fjörukráin, a viking-themed restaurant. Good food and a pretty cool building

[@Kjallon]

If u knew this is Icelandic see fjörukráin

[@mynameistyler979]

thx im going to use this guide when i go to iceland

[@IMWOKE-wk5qb]

Great information. Thanks

[@NickPowellPhotography]

Absolutely fantastic video, I am going next weekend for 3 days. Reykjavik and Vik.