Icelandic Jamboree 2024 Prep

Troop 60's Icelandic Saga Begins

Date: March 26, 2024

Meeting with Kolbrún

Scouts that went to the 2023 National Jamboree received information and about Landsmót skáta (Icelandic Jamboree) in Úlfljótsvatn Scout Centre.  We also spoke with Jamboree Director Kolbrún Ósk Pétursdóttir. 

Resources

• January Presentation

  • Volcanic activities 

  • Úlfljótsvatn, the are – how the camp is set up

  • The program – what to expect and how to prepare 

  • Icelandic food 

  • Icelandic weather (exciting!)

  • What to bring 

  • Q&A

• Template for Instagram posts 

• Template for newsletters 

• Facebook

• Úlfljótsvatn: ulfljotsvatn.is/international-scouts  

Contingent Patch Concepts

Our group brainstormed and reviwed several patch designs.  These were the most popular of the choices. 

Order of Arrow Flap Concepts

Our OA Lodge is symbolized with an octopus, a native of the Salish Seas.  We put together a rough draft of an Octopus with Viking attire on a Norse Longship.  In the background is an island with a live volcano, symbolizing Iceland. 

Necker

The Neckerchief has long been a part of the official Scout Uniform and is an iconic symbol of Scouting.  Each unit in World Scouting has their own "Necker" to represent they are in Scouting and what unit they are in.  At international Scout Jamborees, the Necker is often the only official piece of uniform worn by Scouts and is traded between Scouts of different nations and units. 

The Necker is the international symbol of Scouting.  At international Jamborees, it is traditional to trade Neckers with Scouts from around the world.  

Design Ideas:

• Something with US Flag or colors on it

  • We are a US Contingent representing the USA

• Sasquatch

  • Represents the Pacific Northwest

  • The lore and mystery of the Sasquatch has similarities to the lore and mystery of the viking day of Iceland

  • "Sasquatch” comes from an adaptation of the Halkomelem "sε´sq’əč", a Salishan language of southeast Vancouver Island and the nearby islands and mainland coast

  • Dictionary of Upriver Halkomelem, by Brent Douglas Galloway: “a stl’áleqem creature resembling a huge (six- to nine-foot tall) wild hairy man, the name was first borrowed into English apparently after being spelled by J.W. Burns, a teacher at Chehalis Indian school on Harrison River where sasquatches were sighted fairly often”

  • Stórfótur - Icelandic for Big Foot

• Vegvisir 

  • Compound word formed from the two Icelandic words, vegur and vísir. Vegur means 'way, road, path' (lit. 'way'), and vísir, inflection form of vísa, 'to show, to let know, to guide' 

  • aka "Viking Compass"

  • Iconic Viking symbol 

  • Per Huld Manuscript "if this sign is carried, one will never lose one's way in storms or bad weather, even when the way is not known"

    • “Beri maður stafi þessa á sér villist maður ekki í hríðum né vondu veðri þó ókunnugur sé.”

    • If you wear these letters, you will not get lost in storms or bad weather, even if you are a stranger.

  • Lbs 2917 a 4to “Book of spells” (Galdrakver)

    • “Beri maður þennan staf á sér mun maður trauðla villast í hríð eða verða úti og eins rata ókunnugur.”

    • Per sagy.vikingove.cz:“Carry this sign with you and you will not get lost in storms or die of cold bad weather, and will easily find his way from the unknown.”

  • Lbs 4627 8vo “Book of spells” (Galdrakver)

    • “At maður villist ekki : geim þennan staf undir þinni vinstri hendi, hann heitir Vegvísir og mun hann duga þér, hefir þú trú á honum – ef guði villt trúa i Jesu nafni – þýðing þessa stafs er falinn i þessum orðum að þú ei i (…) forgangir. Guð gefi mér til lukku og blessunar i Jesu nafni.”

    • Per sagy.vikingove.cz: “To avoid getting lost: keep this sign under your left arm, its name is Vegvísir and it will serve you if you believe in it – if you believe in God in the name of Jesus – the meaning of this sign is hidden in these words, so you may not perish. May God give me luck and blessing in the name of Jesus.”

    • Use of Jesu suggests Christian Roots or influence 

• Letter in Runes

  • Elder Furthark
    ᛏᚱᛟᛟᛈ 60 ᚢᛊᚨ

  • Younger Furthark
    ᛏᚱᚬᚬᛒ 60 ᚢᛋᛅ

  • Short-Twig Furthark
    ᛐᚱᚭᚭᛓ 60 ᚢᛌᛆ

• Icelandic

  • Skátasveit - Icelandic for Scout Troop

  • Stórfótur - Icelandic for Big Foot

  • Landsmót skáta - Icelandic for National Scout Jamboree

Necker Resources:

• Embroiderrific

  • Local Embroidery service

  • embroiderrific.com 

• TLS Prints

  • 10331 Aurora AVE N, Seattle, WA 98133

  • Full color digital and offset printing

• Official Neckerchief

  • $12.99

  • Plain and boring, but we can get however many we want and can use the leftovers for the troop – maybe with reimbursement.

  • They will also make custom one for same price scoutshop.org/custom-neckerchiefs-customneckerchiefs.html

• Class B

  • $22.00

  • This is an expensive option

  • tradingpost.classb.com/scouts-bsa-troop-neckerchiefs

• Advantage Emblem

  • advantageemblem.com/boy-scouts/neckerchief

• Moritz Embroidery

  • Basic Troop Necker

    • Buy 25-49 pieces for $12.65 each

    • Buy 50-99 pieces for $10.95 each

    • Buy 100-199 pieces for $9.74 each

    • Buy 200+ pieces for $8.53 each

    • Piping is additional

    • moritzembroidery.com/shop/spn-07

  • More Basic Troop Necker

    • Buy 25-49 pieces for $10.45 each

    • Buy 50-99 pieces for $9.63 each

    • Buy 100-199 pieces for $9.08 each

    • Buy 200+ pieces for $8.53 each

    • moritzembroidery.com/product-category/bsa-neckerchiefs

  • Fancy Custom Necker

    • moritzembroidery.com/boy-scouts/neckerchiefs

• Stadri Emblems

  • Blank Necker

    • A Patch can be added to one of these

    • We are already getting patches (iron on at that), so these would be easy to set up

    • stadriemblems.com/products/neckerchiefs

  • Embroidered Necker 

    • These can look reasonably nice.

    • If you purchase a hundred, it would be less expensive than the ones from the scout store

    • This is an option for Troop Neckers long term.

    • stadriemblems.com/products/neckerchiefs

  • Patch on Necker

    • Little affordable than embroidered Neckers

    • Also an option for new troop neckerchiefs

    • stadriemblems.com/products/neckerchiefs

  • Printed Necker

    • Gives you a lot of flexibility.

    • Not sure about pricing but it is generally more than embroider (per the gal I spoke with)

    • 1-800-679-7909 for custom pricing. 

    • stadriemblems.com/products/neckerchiefs

Theme Song

Timeline

Baggage and Packing List

Carry On Bag Restrictions

• US Airline Dimensions

  • Usually max 22" x 14" x 9"

  • Most major domestic airlines do not impose a weight limit on carry-on bags

    • This is why so many flight attendants have rotator cuff tears

• European Airline Dimensions

  • Max of (including handles and wheels) 55 x 40 x 20 cm (21.6 x 15.7 x 7.8 in)

  • Few airlines accept 23 or 25 cm deep (9.84 in) 

  • Some do not accept more than 35cm wide (13.7 in) - 55 x 35 x 25

  • EasyJet - 45 x 36 x 20

  • Weight restrictions range from 8-23kg or 17-50lbs

Economy Luggage Options

When traveling overseas or via airplane, it is really nice to travel light and carry just what you need.  If you can get away with it, a single carryon bag is the way to go.  You don't have to check your luggage, you don't have to wait for your luggage to arrive, you don't need to worry about your luggage getting lost and you are so much more mobile.  It is easy to get on an off busses, coaches and tiny rental cars with ease.

When traveling with a lot of extra gear, such as camp gear, trading stuff and unnecessary comfort items you will need a checked bag.  If you need a knife, stove or other non-TSA approved carry on item, a checked bag is required.  

Keep your checked bag to under 50 pounds to allow you to check it on planes and coaches and so that it is manageable to move.  In Korea during the World Jamboree, Adult leaders had to carry their bags about a mile in the hot sun over coarse gravel and mud not suitable for roller wheels.  Those with multiple bags regretted their packing choices.

See our Travel Bags Page for more on travel luggage. 

Packing Lists

• Icelandic Jamboree Packing List

• twowanderingsoles.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Iceland-Packing-List_Updated.pdf 

• Icelandic Jamboree Packing Guide 

Rental Gear

Many travelers to Iceland and other destinations rent camping gear.  This saves on baggage costs and makes it easier to travel from country to country where you may not wish to drag camping gear with your everywhere you go.  Consider that a Icelandic parka may completely fill your checked bag and may only be needed for a single trip. 

Places to Rent Gear:

• Iceland Camping Equipment

  • Vatnsmýrarvegur 10 (BSÍ Bus Terminal), 101 Reykjavik

  • info@iceland-camping-equipment.com

  • Storeage room available to get gear outside of regular hours

  • Tent, sleeping bag & mats

  • Stove, Gas canister, cooler...

  • Iceland map, Car & Hiking GPS

  • WiFi hotspot, 4G network, phone

• IcelandCover

  • Icelandcover@icelandcover.com

  • From 10 am - 6 pm:

    • +(354) 454 3484

  • Emergency phone:

    • +(354)-779-0494

    • +(354)-848-0716

  • Laugavegur 51, 101 Reykjavík

  • They Deliver 

  • Tents

  • Sleeping bags

  • Packs

  • Clothing 

• KuKu Camper

  • If you are renting a camping van from KuKu, you can rent gear from them

  • Rent ahead as they run out of gear

• Gangleri Outfitters

  • Hverfisgata 82, Reykjavik 101, Iceland

  • +354 583 2222

  • Smaller store than Iceland Camping Equipment Rental

  • Sell and rent outdoor equipment

  • Clothing

• Rent-a-Tent 

  • Smiðjuvegur 6, Rauð gata, 200 Kópavogur, Iceland

  • +354 848 5805

  • Slightly lower prices on some items and are located just outside of Reykjavik

• Fjallakofinn

  • Laugavegur 11, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland

  • +354 510 9511

  • Higher end camping equipment rental store

  • Camping equipment, accessories and clothing

  • Not as big as other outfitters - but has different stuff

• Rent a Rod

  • Fishing gear

Scout Camp Rentals

• Sleeping tents

• Cooking shelters

• Kitchen packs 

• Tables and benches

• Groups staying before or after the official dates of the event can also rent equipment for their extra days

• All groups are required to rent tents, cooking shelters and kitchen packs for the duration of their stay unless they plan to bring their own

• Gas canisters will be available on site for a cost of ISK 1,000 per kilo used

Apps

Essential Apps

• 112 Iceland app

  • Search and Rescue Association of Iceland (ICE-SAR)

  • Safety app 

• • Android | iOS

• Safe Travel

  • Alerts - like volcano, avalanche and earthquakes

  • safetravel.is 

  • Android | iOS

• Vedur

  • Icelandic weather forecasts and weather alerts 

  • Android | iOS

• Road.is / Færð og Veður

  • Up-to-date information about road conditions 

  • road.is 

  • Android | iOS

• WhatsApp

  • Use Wifi or Cell to communicate internationally without long distance charges

• Google Translate

  •  Translate text and images

  • Many signs are only in Icelandic

• Google Maps

  • Android | iOS

  • Download entire map of Iceland before your trip for offline use

• Parka

  • Parking app for downtown Reykjavik, Akureyri, and other tourist destinations

  • Can pay for many campsites in Iceland

  • Android | iOS

Other Apps

• Icelandic Coupons

  • Selection of discounts

  • up to 50% on food, drinks, tours, and other experiences.

  • Some coupons are available for free,

  • Unlock the full catalog for $9.99

  • Android | iOS

• Gasvaktin.is

  • Locate the cheapest gas station in the area you are in

  • gasvaktin.is 

• Spotify

  • Music  

  • Android | iOS

Websites

• https://www.timeanddate.com/sun/iceland/reykjavik - daylight (spoiler - a LOT in the summer)

Camping

Van Camping Rules

• ust.is/english/visiting-iceland/travel-information/where-can-you-camp

• You can only camp in designated areas in Iceland

  • "Wild Camping" in van is illegal

• No reservation needed

  • If you show up after hours, pay in morning

  • Recommend calling ahead or checking availability ahead of time to make sure there are spots available

• 1375 ISK to 2750 ISK or about €10 to €20 per person per day 

  • Pay through the app parka.is

  • Pay at office or guy walking around

  • Some amenities cost extra

• Running water and toilets are free

• Some have communal cook areas

• Other features may cost extra

  • Electricity is extra

  • Most campsites have showers

    • Bring shower shoes

  • Laundry may be available - expect to wait maybe hours to through line

• NO Campfires - none

• Favorite Campsites

  • Þakgil Campsite

  • Svínafell Campsite

  • Heiðarbær Campsite

  • Ásbyrgi Campsite

  • Ísafjörður Campsite

Wild Camping

• Can't be done in vehicle! - Illegal

  • It is illegal to spend the night in tent trailers, tent campers, caravans, camper vans or similar outside organized campsites or urban areas unless the land owner or rightsholder has given their permission

• ust.is/english/visiting-iceland/travel-information/where-can-you-camp

• ust.is/english/visiting-iceland/travel-information/access-rights 

• Leave No Trace

  • No Liter

  • Don't go off trail

  • If you have to poop in the wilderness, bury it and leave no trace it happened

  • No trespassing

• Where You can Camp

  • Along public routes in inhabited areas, you may pitch a traditional camping tent for one night on uncultivated land, provided there is no campsite in the immediate vicinity and the land owner has not restricted or prohibited access, passage or stay within the area by means of signs on gates and walking paths.

  • Along public routes in uninhabited areas, you may pitch a traditional camping tent on privately owned land or national land.

  • Away from public routes, you may pitch a traditional camping tent, either on privately owned or national land, unless otherwise indicated in special rules which may be applicable to the land area in question.  

• When Permission of the Land Owner or Rightsholder is Required

  • If you plan to camp near places of human habitation or farms.

  • If you plan to camp for longer than one night.

  • If you plan to pitch more than three tents.

  • If the land is cultivated.

  • If you plan to use tent trailers, tent campers, caravans, camper vans or similar outside organized campsites or urban areas

• Prohibited Areas for Camping

  • Land owners or rightsholders may restrict or prohibit camping if there is substantial risk of damage to the country’s natural environment.

  • If the landowner or rightsholder has prepared a special camping area on their land, they may direct travelers to it and charge a service fee. Similarly, if there is a campsite in the vicinity, the landowner or rightsholder may direct travelers to it.

  • There may be restrictions on camping in protected areas (see ust.is for long list)  

Driving

Trip Planning

• safetravel.is 

  • Alerts - like volcano, avalanche and earthquakes

  • safetravel.is 

  • Android | iOS

• umferdin.is

  • umferdin.is/en English version of Traffic/Road conditions 

• en.vedur.is 

  • Icelandic weather forecasts and weather alerts 

  • Android | iOS

• The summer is busy - plan to leave by or before 8am to beat huge crowds

Renting a Car

• Rental a car allows you to explore parts of Iceland that are inaccessible without a vehicle

• You CAN enjoy Iceland with a car - using buses and tours

• Rental car will cost less then going on multiple tours - especially if traveling with 2 or more people

• Note that off season rental fees may be 50% that of summer fees (June, July, and August)

• Must be 20 years of age or older to rent a 2-wheel drive

• Must be 23 years of age or older to rent a 4-wheel drive

• You will need a valid Driver's License (US is acceptable) and a credit or debit card

• A 2WD will get you just about anywhere in Iceland

• 4WD IS Required for F-roads and is obviously preferred in the winter

• Rental companies outfit cars with studded tires in the winter

• Insurance:

  • Extra insurance in the US is generally unnecessary since your car insurance or credit card will cover damages

  • Most travelers in Iceland recommend extra insurance in Iceland to cover damage from sand, ash, gravel and wind

• Milage

  • Your rental contract may NOT include unlimited milage - check

• Car inspection

  • Take photos and video of car during initial inspection

  • Mark off ANY damage you find

  • Check for any warning lights before driving off

  • Check the Tires with a penny - don't drive in Iceland with bald tires

• Flat Tire

  • You should have an emergency number for this

  • Unless insured, you will be charged for a tire change - like $700!

  • Call 112 if there is an emergency 

Rental Car Booking Services

• Kayak.com 

• Guidetoiceland.is

• Hotwire.com 

• Northbound

• Expedia.com

Rental Cars

• Blue Car Rental

  • Good reviews on several sites

  • Located quick walk from airport if you want to skip the shuttle

  • Drop off in Reykjavik for no extra charge

  • Very responsive to emails

  • Prices on website are pay on arrival prices.

  • Prepay prices - select a car to be taken to info page, then scroll to bottom and both prices are listed.

  • Coupon code: #exp19 - entered on info page in lower right corner

  • Max insurance recommended 

  • bluecarrental.is 

• Lotus Car Rental

  • Many recommend Lotus

  • Platinum insurance recommended

    • Covers everything except towing (has a deductible), losing the key, and putting the wrong type of fuel in the car

    • LOTs of reports of chipped windshields covered by platinum 

  • lotuscarrental.is 

• Go Cars (Greenmotion)

  • Also have their own line of campervans - Go Campers

  • https://greenmotion.com/locations/iceland/keflavik-international-airport

  • https://greenmotion.com/locations/iceland/reykjavik-downtown 

• Lava Car Rental

  • Some recommend for and some against this company

  • lavacarrental.is 

• GO Car Rental

  • Discount Code: Iceland10

  • Endorsed by  Jewells allthingsiceland.com, which is sponsorded by Go Car Rental

  • When you book 7 days or more with Go Car Rental, you get one day for free

• Hertz.is

• Camperrentaliceland.com 

Camper Vans

• Happy Campers

  • TWS5 discount code

• KuKu Camper

• Campervan Iceland

• Campervan Reykjavik

• GoCampers.is 

Pretour Places to Visit

Footwear and Clothing

• Anytime other than the summer, you should have mini crampons

• You should have a raincoat for waterfall visits

Overview of Places to Visit

• Golden Circle - 1 day, must see

• Wool Circle - next to Golden Circle and Ok if you love sheep or yarn

• South Coast - 1-2 days, hikes, glaciers and waterfalls

• Westman Islands (Vestmannaeyjar) - part of South Coast – Puffins and lava over village

• West Island - Snaefells Peninsula – 1-2 days, lots of hikes, cute villages

• Reykjavik - shopping, tours, food, city entertainment 

• Blue Lagoon - tourist trap and closed due to volcano

• Ring Road - 7-10 days – if Jamboree fails, this is the alternate option

• Hot Places to Bathe

Travel Guides

• South Coast Travel Guide guidetoiceland.is/travel-iceland/drive/south-coast

• Vik guidetoiceland.is/travel-iceland/drive/vik-i-myrdal

• Skaftafell (between Vik and Diamond Beach) guidetoiceland.is/travel-iceland/drive/skaftafell

• Jökulsárlón (diamond beach and glacier lagoons) guidetoiceland.is/travel-iceland/drive/jokulsarlon

• Vatnajokull Glacier (Giant glacier on east side of Iceland – just east of Vik) guidetoiceland.is/travel-iceland/drive/vatnajokull

• Eyjafjallajökull (E15 mountain – smaller glacier and volcano west of Vik) https://guidetoiceland.is/travel-iceland/drive/eyjafjallajokull

• Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach (beach near Vik) guidetoiceland.is/travel-iceland/drive/reynisfjara

• Diamond Beach (east of Vik) guidetoiceland.is/travel-iceland/drive/diamond-beach

• Höfn (further east past diamond beach) guidetoiceland.is/travel-iceland/drive/hofn

• Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands - need to take ferry – similar to san juan islands but with lava and puffins) guidetoiceland.is/travel-iceland/drive/westman-islands

• Katla (Glacier near Vik – famous plane crash/hulk to visit) guidetoiceland.is/travel-iceland/drive/katla

Tours

• Some of these may require we drive up an F Road – a 4x4 may be required for that.

• Caves: guidetoiceland.is/book-trips-holiday/nature-tours/caves

• Jökulsárlón (diamond beach and glacier lagoons) guidetoiceland.is/book-trips-holiday/day-tours/jokulsarlon-tours

• South Coast Tours: guidetoiceland.is/book-trips-holiday/day-tours/south-coast-tours

• Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands - need to take ferry – similar to san jaun islands but with lava and puffins) guidetoiceland.is/book-trips-holiday/day-tours/westman-islands

• Langjökull (close to golden circle – likely where Scout will set up tour) guidetoiceland.is/book-trips-holiday/day-tours/langjokull-tours

Scout Camp Organized Events

• ulfljotsvatn.is/pre-post-landsmot-2024 

• Rafting

  • https://arcticrafting.com

  • https://arcticrafting.com/location 

Hikes

• safety app 

  • Search and Rescue Association of Iceland (ICE-SAR)

• Reykjadalur Valley to Hot River

  • Bathe in a Hot River

  • Dalakaffi Café at the parking lot

  • Near Hveragerði town

  •  45 km from Reykjavík on Route 1

  • 3 km and 45-60 minutes each way

  • 2-3 hours total

  • https://guidetoiceland.is/connect-with-locals/regina/reykjadalur-hot-spring-valley-in-south-iceland 

• Skogafoss Plateau

  • Follows the river up into the mountains

  • oversees the Skogafoss waterfalls - most iconic waterfall in Iceland

  • fantastic view to Eyjafjallajökoll glacier

  • 3 hours walking

  • Crowded viewing platform

  • 160km 2.5 hour drive from Reykjavík east on Route 1

  • https://guidetoiceland.is/connect-with-locals/5176/skogafoss-as-a-photography-location 

• Thingvellir National Park

  • One of three UNESCO World Heritage sites in Iceland

  • One of three sites in Golden Circle

  • Several hiking routes

  • Consider triangular shaped 8 km route

  • https://guidetoiceland.is/travel-iceland/drive/thingvellir 

• Snaefells Peninsula

  • Can stop at Glymur Waterfall on way

  • Around 2-3 hours north of Reykjavik 

  • Consider overnight trip

  • Kirkjufell Mountain

    • Waterfall 10 to 15 minutes from the car park

    • start at Kirkjufellsfoss parking lot or the nearby town of Grundarfjörður (3km away)

    • 2 hr 26 min (180 km) from Reykjavik 

  • Londrangar Cliffs

    • volcanic cliffs rising out and above the ocean

    • puffins and kittiwakes

    • round trip distance of about 4 km (2.5 miles)

    • 1-2 hours

    • 2 hr 39 min (200 km) from Reykjavik 

  • Hellnar-Arnarstapi trail 

    • coastal hiking trail between the two villages 

    • 1.5 kilometers between villages

    • 30-40 minutes

    • Spend time visiting cute villages

    • 2 hr 29 min (192 km) from Reykjavik 

  • Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge

    • Start at village of Arnarstapi then follow the signs for Rauðfeldsgjá

    • railhead is located at a parking lot near the beach

    • 30-45 minutes

    • 2 hr 30 min (189 km) from Reykjavik  - but must also do Hellnar-Arnarstapi trail 

  • Saxhóll 

    • small volcanic crater

    • "breathtaking, with panoramic vistas of the surrounding lava fields, mountains, and coastline"

    • 15-20 minutes to the top

    • At very end of peninsula 

    • 2 hr 53 min (217 km) from Reykjavik 

  • https://guidetoiceland.is/best-of-iceland/snaefellsnes-the-ultimate-guide 

• Glymur Waterfall

  • Iceland’s second-tallest waterfall

  • forty-five minutes if driving from Reykjavik - north on Route 1

  • bring hiking boots, walking poles, water, and snacks

  • https://guidetoiceland.is/travel-iceland/drive/glymur 

• Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park

  • Mid-Atlantic Rift

  • North American and Eurasian tectonic plates separate here

  • Walk through chasms 

  • Was the site of the Alþing, the annual parliament of Iceland from the year 930

• Geysir

• • Fun attraction

  • Geyser and hot pools 

  • Geyser goes off every 10 minutes or so

• Gullfoss

  • Waterfall

  • Must see

• Kerið 

  • Volcanic crater pool

  • Park car and walk around rim

• Golden Circle Tours

• Golden Circle & City Sightseeing - Hop On Hop Off

  • https://www.re.is/tour/golden-circle-and-hop-on-hop-off 

  • Golden Circle & City Sightseeing 

• https://www.re.is/tours-activities 

• https://www.getyourguide.com/-l1881 

The Woolen Circle

• Connected to Golden Circle

• Hespa plant dye studio

• Thingborg wool shop

• Uppspuni Mini Mill and Yarn Shop

• Skalholt historical site

South Coast

• Dramatic coastal scenery

• See glaciers

• Hiking opportunities

• Seljalandsfoss

  • Walk behind falls

  • Eurovision location in music video where singers are skipping in front of falls

• Sólheimajökull Glacier 

  • closest glacier to Reykjavik 

• Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

  • Black Sand

  • Basalt formation in water

• Eyjafjallajökull

  • aka E15

  • Snow covered volcano

  • Recent eruption

• Lava Centre

Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands)

• Archipelago of 15 islands and 30 rock stacks

• Take boat or plane Vestmannaeyjar Airport

• Boat is sometimes out

• Weather dependent

• If weather it bad - go see South Coast

• Dramatic cliffs where kids climb to get eggs

• See houses covered in lava

• Museum

• If you are a volcano nut - good place to visit

• Can hike up volcano

• Can visit countryside to see puffins 

  • drive car or get transportation out there

• Aquarium with puffin that walks on people heads

West Iceland and the Snaefells Peninsula

• • Listed above in Hike section - because of many hikes

  • Can stop at Glymur Waterfall on way

  • Around 2-3 hours north of Reykjavik  - but plan for many stops and hikes

  • Consider overnight trip

  • Kirkjufell Mountain

    • Waterfall 10 to 15 minutes from the car park

    • Start at Kirkjufellsfoss parking lot or the nearby town of Grundarfjörður (3km away)

    • 2 hr 26 min (180 km) from Reykjavik 

  • Londrangar Cliffs

    • Volcanic cliffs rising out and above the ocean

    • Puffins and kittiwakes

    • Round trip distance of about 4 km (2.5 miles)

    • 1-2 hours

    • 2 hr 39 min (200 km) from Reykjavik 

  • Hellnar-Arnarstapi trail 

    • coastal hiking trail between the two villages 

    • 1.5 kilometers between villages

    • 30-40 minutes

    • Spend time visiting cute villages

    • 2 hr 29 min (192 km) from Reykjavik 

  • Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge

    • Start at village of Arnarstapi then follow the signs for Rauðfeldsgjá

    • railhead is located at a parking lot near the beach

    • 30-45 minutes

    • 2 hr 30 min (189 km) from Reykjavik  - but must also do Hellnar-Arnarstapi trail 

  • Saxhóll 

    • small volcanic crater

    • "breathtaking, with panoramic vistas of the surrounding lava fields, mountains, and coastline"

    • 15-20 minutes to the top

    • At very end of peninsula 

    • 2 hr 53 min (217 km) from Reykjavik 

  • https://guidetoiceland.is/best-of-iceland/snaefellsnes-the-ultimate-guide 

Reykjavík

• Newer city - good urban plan

• Charming

• Parliament Square

• Laugavegur

  • Main street

  • Shopping and food

Reykjanes Peninsula and the Blue Lagoon

• Closed due to volcanic activity

• Blue Lagoon

  • Extra water from geothermal plant

  • Expensive

  • Filled with tourists 

  • Required reservations - books up several weeks ahead

  • About a dozen naturally heated pools are also available in Reykjavík

    • Filled with Icelanders

    • About $10

  • Alternative:

    • Secret Lagoon is popular, but may be overrun with Blue Lagoon shut down

• Valahnúkamöl Black Beach

  • Lars and Sigrit perform their song ‘Volcano Man’

  • Black sand beach

Other Places to Visit

• These areas have exciting things to see, but they are a bit of drive from where we will be. 

• East Iceland

  • Visit if doing Ring Road

  • Lagarfljot Lake

  • Viti Crater Lake

  • Hengifoss waterfall 

  • Litlanesfoss waterfall

  • Tons of other stuff

• North Iceland

  • Visit if doing Ring Road

  • You can also fly there

  • Top 10 destination according to Lonely Planet

  • Whale watching, moonlike lava fields, epic waterfalls, snowcapped peaks & whale-filled bays

  • Grimsey Island 

    • Remote island and crosses the arctic circle

    • Full of puffins and dive-bombing terns

    • There is a round marker for the arctic circle - which moves each year as tilt of earth changes

    • Get there via ferry from Dalvík village

    • You can also fly there via Akureyri Airport

• The Westfjords

  • Very northwest peninsula of Iceland

  • Good 4-5 hour drive from Reykjavík

  • Waterfalls and fjords, small villages, hot springs, wonderful landscapes, wildlife

  • Alternate "Golden Circle" with less crowds

• Vatnajökull National Park

  • UNESCO-designated world heritage site

  • Middle of Iceland

  • Many areas only accessible with 4x4

  • “Land of fire and ice”

  • Vatnajökull glacier

  • Powerful glacial rivers

  • Active volcanos,

  • Flood-carved canyons 

  • Thundering waterfalls

Ring Road

• Ring road circle Iceland

• 1,328 kilometers long (825 miles)

• bypasses part 

  • North Iceland 

  • Westfjords

  • Snæfellsnes peninsula

  • If you have LOTs of time, you can also visit these areas

• Possible to drive entire Ring Road in 24 hours

• 7-10 day trek

• Great for Campervan trip

• You can book self-drive tours, even in winter

• Several really long tunnels

  • Hvalfjörður Tunnel (5.7 km)

  • Almannaskarð Tunnel (1.3 km)

  • Fáskrúðsfjarðargöng Tunnel (5.8 km)

Winter Visits in Iceland

Icelandic Language and Travel Skills

Basics

• Everyone more or less speaks English

• Download Google Translate

  • Many signs are only in Icelandic

• Tipping is NOT expected

Prohibited Items - Customs

• Following items need special permission:

  • Telecommunications equipment is subject to permits from the Post and Telecom Administration

  • Firearms, ammunition, and explosives

  • Live animals

  • Flowers and plants

  • Used riding gear, including saddles, bridles, reins, etc. due to infection risk

  • Fishing equipment, angling gear and riding clothes that have been used abroad - needs certificate that they have been disinfected

• Prohibited

  • Toxic and hazardous substances

  • Narcotics

  • Chewing tobacco and finely powdered snuff

  • Uncooked meat products

  • Certain foodstuffs (meat products may be imported if they have been boiled or canned)

  • Weapons

  • Knives with blades exceeding 12 cm (4.7 inches)

Pool Rules

• Bring a swimsuit and towel 

  • Towel rentals are available but expensive

  • Flip-flops are optional

• Pay

  • A shareable 10-visit discount card will save if you have 5 adult visits

• Take off Shoes

  • Do this before entering locker area

  • Many leave shoes on Shoe Racks

  • Recommend lock them up - just to be safe

• Change

  • Gender specific locker areas

• Lock up stuff

  • Some pools issue a locker key or an electronic wristband

  • Other pools have a key in the locker

• Shower - required

  • Place towel in cubbyholes for when done with shower/swim/bath

  • Soap down and shower thoroughly - generally done naked

• Put on swim suit 

• Swim and soak

  • Warm pools  29°C/85°F

  • Hot tubs 38-40°C/100-104°F

  • Sauna

  • Pools usually have signs showing temperature anything above 40°C is extremely hot

  • If you feel dizzy - take a break outside or in a cooler pool - don't forget to drink water (fountains available)

• Finish up

  • Shower

    • Yup - nude

    • Dry off -required

  • Consider using centrifuge to dry swim gear

  • Get Dressed

  • Carry shoes to exit before putting them on

  • Return keys or security band at counter

• Relax and refuel

  • Tables and chairs are often available for post pool snack

  • May even have a café

• Icelanders are polite, but generally leave strangers alone in the pool

Food

Iceland is one of 3 European countries without a McDonalds (Macedonia and Bosnia and Herzegovina are the other 2).  That's OK, because you can still find Icelandic Hotdogs, meat soup and Food Halls to fill your belly.

Hot Dogs - Pylsur

• Icelandic hot dogs are made out of lamb

• 'One with everything':

  • Lamb Hot Dog

  • Icelandic Mustard

  • Remolaði sauce

  • Fried Onions

  • Raw Onions

  • Iceland Style Ketchup (uses apples as sweetener)

• Best stand is located at Tryggvagata 1, 101 Reykjavík

Kjötsúpa

• Meat soup - lamb

• Can even find at N1 gas stations

Food Halls

• Reykjavik

  • Pósthús Food Hall & Bar 

    • Pósthússtræti 5, 101 Reykjavík

    • Downtown 

    • Fish n Chips, soups, sushi, burgers, tacos 

  • Hafnartorg Gallery 

    • Geirsgata 17, 101 Reykjavík

    • Downtown close to the old harbor

  • Grandi Food Hall 

    • Grandagarður 16 , 101 Reykjavík

    • In harbor near Whales of Iceland and FlyOver Iceland and Lava Show

    • Fish and chips

    • Fjárhúsið - Iceland’s traditional lamb dishes

    • Korean rice bowls and Mexican tacos

  • Vera Food Court 

    • Bjargargata 1, 102 Reykjavík

    • Close to the university

    • Lots of vegetarian options

  • Hlemmur Food Hall 

    • end of Laugavegur - main shopping street 

    • Laugavegur 107, 105 Reykjavík

    • SKÁL stall specialises in foraged ingredients

  • Borg29 Food Hall

    • Borgartún 29, 105 Reykjavík

    • Financial district

  • Kúmen Food Hall 

    • Kringlan 4-12, 103 Reykjavík

    • Kringlan shopping centre just outside the city center

  • Höfði Mathöll  

    • Bíldshöfði 9, 110 Reykjavík

    • On way to Route One

• Outside Reykjavik

  • The Greenhouse 

    • Austurmörk 6, 810 Hveragerði

    • In Hveragerði - first village on way out of Reykjavik heading east on Route 1

    • 25 mintues from Scout camp

    • Yuzu burgers 

    • Punk Fried Chicken

  • Mjólkurbúið

    • South Island

    • Eyravegur 1, 800 Selfoss

  • Mathöll Vesturlands

    • West Island

    • in B59 Hotel 

    • The Skyr Factory

    • Fjárhúsið (The Sheep House) 

    • B59 Craft Beer

Costco 

• Costco Wholesale Iceland

  • Kauptún 3, 210 Garðabær, Iceland

  • Southside of Reykjavik 

  • Cheap gas

  • Need membership - US works

  • Option if buying a lot of food for group or rotisserie chicken

Medium-Cost Grocery Stores

• Netto

  • Reykjavík and Selfoss

  • Grocery and department store (like a Fred Myers?)

  • Some are 24 hours

  • Mid-Range Supermarket

• Hagkaup 

  • Upscale hypermarket

  • Like a mini mall

  • Most open until midnight

High-Cost Grocery Stores

• Krambudin 

  • Ready-made meal and freshly baked in the morning

  • Moderate selection 

  • Slightly cheaper than 10/11 but expensive

  • Closes at 23:30

• 10/11 

  • Expensive Supermarket

  • Limited selection

  • Most are open 24 hours

  • Prices are increased at night

Shopping