The best word to describe Iceland is otherworldly. For many years Iceland has been at the top of my travel wish list. I flew through it last year when I moved to Norway (via IcelandAir) and from the plane it looked like another planet.
It is a beautiful country that left me with a constant feeling of déjà vu. It reminds me of places I have been and yet nowhere I have been. There are glaciers, volcanoes, lava fields, waterfalls, hot springs and geysers.
Some Basics
Language: Icelandic, which is more similar to Old Norse than modern Norwegian is. When they say the names of things it sounds ridiculous, but it’s easy to figure out many of the words you see if you know a Nordic language.
Also, I didn’t come across a single person who couldn’t speak English. In addition to English, Icelandic people usually learn Danish in school.
Currency: Icelandic Krona. Iceland is not a member of the EU primarily because of arguments over their crucial fishing industry.
At current rates:
10 ISK = 0.084 USD
10 ISK = 0.50 NOK
10 ISK = 0.063 EUR
10 ISK = 0.055 GBP
My dates: August 1-4th
Weather: During my stay it was about 5°/15°C (41°/59°F). However, something that is super important to note about Iceland is that it is WINDY as all hell. I had no idea it would be that windy, so I didn’t have the appropriate jacket with me. Bring a warm windbreaker with you. You will need it.
My Scores
(On a scale from 1 to 10)
Iceland, overall: 9
People: 9
Friendliness: 9
Ability to speak English: 9
Sights: 10
Food: 7
Weather (In August): 5
Party Scene: 5
Public Transportation: 3
Budget Friendliness: 3
