From the Financial Ruin of 2010, it appears Iceland has made a dramatic turn around by importing Tourists. But not just any type of traveler, those looking for adventure in an unspoilt countryside. More options of travel are opening up every year, but so are the ever increasing numbers of “Experiential Travelers”.
INCREASED SEISMIC ACTIVITY ON THE REYKJANES PENINSULA
• Currently there are no eruptions, and no flight Interuptions.
• The Blue Lagoon and Retreat are currently closed as a precautionary measure.
• The cute town of Grindavík is evacuatated as a precautionary measure.
KEF Reykjavik Keflavik International, will most likely be your main point of entry. Rather modern and attractive. Located about 30 miles south of Reykjavik. Akureyri is the only Icelandic destination served from KEF… all other flights are International.
Flying Private: There are several FBO options available.
You can take the Smyril Line Car Ferry from Hirtshals, Denmark, which also makes a stop at the Faroe Islands, an even more remote set of islands than Iceland.
Part of the EU & Schengen Agreement.
Starting in 2025, the European Commission will roll out a U.S. style electronic travel authorization system for visitors from countries that are currently not part of the EU or Schengen Member. The cost of an ETIAS is €7, however, individuals under the age of 18, or over the age of 70, will not need to pay the fee. The ETIAS must be applied for online prior to arrival to the EU. Each eligible traveller, regardless of age, will require an ETIAS to visit EU member countries. The ETIAS will be mandatory for citizens of such countries as the United States, Australia, New Zealand and Canada.
for more information, visit the Official ETIAS site
Depending on the type of adventure, this is considered a year-round destination by some.
Troll Peninsula
Right now, this is my favorite place for that Grand Iceland Adventure, and is considered one of the finest lodgings in Iceland if not the world.
Winter
Guide service offering customized adventure itineraries, all gear necessary for activities, pre-arrival planning with an Eleven Experience Manager, chef prepared breakfast, lunch, après and dinner, organic fresh food minibar, house alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and round trip airport transfers to Akureyri.
Summer
Guide service offering customized adventure itineraries, all gear necessary for activities, pre-arrival planning with an Eleven Experience Manager, chef prepared breakfast, lunch, après and dinner, organic fresh food minibar, house alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and roundtrip airport transfers to Akureyri.
There is a minimum Booking of 3-Nights with Deplar Farm, and with only 12-Rooms will have limited availability during peak seasons.
PART OF MY SPECIAL PLACES PORTFOLIO
Blue Lagoon, Iceland
The Retreat & Spa is the latest addition to the Blue Lagoon. Along with it’s sister property, these are the finest hotels in the region.
Staying at The Retreat, does include use of the Spa and the Lagoon.
PART OF MY SPECIAL PLACES PORTFOLIO
near the town of Vik
For quite a long time Iceland’s spectacular beauty was rather let down by its relatively ordinary hotels. Lately, however, a new movement is afoot, complementing this island nation’s sublime, unearthly landscapes with some equally inspiring modern architecture and design. And it doesn’t take much more than a glance at Umi Hotel to identify it as an example of exactly what we’re talking about.
Here, less than a hundred miles from Reykjavík, you’re deep in Iceland’s natural wonder, with views of the rugged southern coastline as well as Eyjafjallajökull, the famously inconvenient volcano. And despite what its low-slung modernist architecture might lead you to believe, this is a family-owned operation, an abandoned farm painstakingly transformed by Siggi and Frida (and their daughter Sandra, an interior designer) into the stylish hotel you see today.
PART OF MY SPECIAL PLACES PORTFOLIO
Reykjavik City Center
Though it may sound like a mere marketing slogan, 101 is quite literally Reykjavik’s most fashionable postal code. This city has long been the holiday playground of hip Europeans and, in particular, Londoners — English pop stars and artists come here for a little anonymity, and the truly anonymous come for the experience of a style capital that still feels like an unpretentious small city.
The artistic bent that Reykjavik is lately known for is on display here — a glass roof over the lounge affords a view of a permanent mural installation, and the 101 Gallery shows rotating exhibitions of work by top Icelandic artists. The lounge is a bona fide social scene, as is the restaurant, and the downtown location means it’s not the only game in town — so the restless have plenty of urban exploring to do. If anything, it’s a bit of overkill; a sleek, modern hotel in the vibrant capital of one of the world’s most beautiful countries — what more do you need?
PART OF MY SPECIAL PLACES PORTFOLIO
Nesjavellir, Iceland
A Design Hotel property. One of the first of the Design and Adventure Hotels in Iceland, and one of the first media darlings. But it is popular for a reason, it is a great hotel and location.
PART OF MY SPECIAL PLACES PORTFOLIO
My Virtuoso Iceland Information Page
Here is a good place to start for some additional information on quality Hotels, Water Adventures and Activities.
WIKIVOYAGE: Iceland Page
A great resource for all the basic information you need for Iceland.
or leave a comment below
page updated: November 2023
images courtesy: Wikimedia Commons, Iceland Tourism Board
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