Iceland: Top 10 Surprises
I knew very little about Iceland before our first trip. I was pleasantly surprised by a number of things … and not-so pleasantly surprised by a few others.
Cell service
It’s excellent. I’ve only been through the southern part of the country, but it’s solid. Even when you’re driving 100 miles between towns, you’ll still have service most of the time.
Even on some of the remote hikes, we were able to get a couple bars of signal! That includes this spot high in the mountains in rural Eastern Iceland at Hengifoss:
2. Smooth roads
With Iceland’s freeze-thaw reputation, I fully expect roads full of potholes. That’s not the case at all! They’re paved beautifully, especially the two-lane “Ring Road.”
3. More sheep than people
The population of people is fewer than 400,000. Meanwhile, more than 800,000 sheep call Iceland home.
4. There’s no Splenda
Is this a big deal? No. But if you like your coffee sweetened, bring your own sweetener!
“We’re just not that fancy,” one waitress told me :)
5. More about coffee
I’m used to just pulling into a 7-11 or Circle-K on a road trip and grabbing a cup of coffee “to go.” You won’t be able to do that in Iceland. There are no Starbucks on the road, or many coffee shops at all. And early risers: there are no gas stations with 24-7 coffee pots!
6. Great signage
The major sites on the Ring Road are nicely marked with big letters and tourist markings. They helped us find waterfalls and other natural wonders which weren’t even on our list.
7. Remote cabins
Some of the coolest spots we stayed in were in the middle of nowhere! As you’re driving around, look ahead to where you might want to spend the night and search Google Maps for cabins in the area. You’ll be surprised by the options, as we were.
8. Lots of moss / Few trees
In much of the southern part of the country, you won’t see many trees at all. I was surprised to see a thick moss growing all over the lava fields.
One area off Route 1 in Southern Iceland has a parking lot with a trail for people to walk through.
9. Gas station cards
Make sure to bring a debit card with a pin. Most gas stations only accept cards with pins.
10. Accessibility
I was surprised by the accessibility of some of the most famous waterfalls, from Seljalandsfoss to Skogafoss. They’re right off the highway, and easy for anyone of any age or condition to walk to. Of course, many other sites require long hikes.
You’ll also find: early mornings or sunset are great times to go without tour bus crowds.
The photos are Skogafoss on the left, and Seljalandsfoss on the right:
