Probably silly Iceland question

[Deleted]

We're going at the end of the month.  We're planning on driving the Golden Circle one day, and the south coast (following this itinerary the next day).

I am planning on wearing exercise-type attire and running shoes for these days.  We don't need any special gear beyond that, right?  

Thanks!

[frlcb]

No you don't

[GilliC]

It really depends on what you're going to do. If you're just going to drive and pop out of the car to take some photos, you'll probably be fine. However, I would consider bringing some good rain gear if you have it. It's so windy that when it does rain, it tends to rain sideways, and even though it wasn't raining, I appreciated having a rain jacket and rain pants when I wanted to get closer to Skógafoss.

However, if you plan to do any glacier walks, I would suggest something other than running shoes, because it can be a bit damp. Some outfitters offer boots, but reconfirm this with them as there were some uncomfortable people in sneakers on our excursion, because the company missed the message to bring along the boots they'd requested.

If you're going to take a boat out on the lake at Jökulsárlón, it might be nice to have a warm hat. It can get a bit chilly out on the water, especially near the glacier. I'll add that it's worth crossing to the other side of the ring road to see the black sand beach near Jökulsárlón (even if you've been to the one at Vik). The ice from the lake gets washed back onto the beach, and the waves crashing over the ice onto the black sand is quite a nice sight.

Are you planning to do the south coast in one day? I know it's possible, but it really doesn't leave you any time to really see much.

[wanderlustfoodie]

Jokulsarlon is so amazing. We drove from Reykjavik to Jokulsarlon and back in one day. It was long (about 16 hours) but we stopped a lot along the way to see waterfalls, the black sand beaches, the puffins, etc.

After you drive the Golden Circle, I highly recommend dinner here before going back to Reykjavik: www.fjorubordid.is/

And to answer your actual question, you won't really need anything other than sturdy shoes and some layers.

[osumelissa]

Aug 5, 2013 8:40:05 GMT -5 GilliC said:

It really depends on what you're going to do. If you're just going to drive and pop out of the car to take some photos, you'll probably be fine. However, I would consider bringing some good rain gear if you have it. It's so windy that when it does rain, it tends to rain sideways, and even though it wasn't raining, I appreciated having a rain jacket and rain pants when I wanted to get closer to Skógafoss.

However, if you plan to do any glacier walks, I would suggest something other than running shoes, because it can be a bit damp. Some outfitters offer boots, but reconfirm this with them as there were some uncomfortable people in sneakers on our excursion, because the company missed the message to bring along the boots they'd requested.

If you're going to take a boat out on the lake at Jökulsárlón, it might be nice to have a warm hat. It can get a bit chilly out on the water, especially near the glacier. I'll add that it's worth crossing to the other side of the ring road to see the black sand beach near Jökulsárlón (even if you've been to the one at Vik). The ice from the lake gets washed back onto the beach, and the waves crashing over the ice onto the black sand is quite a nice sight.

Are you planning to do the south coast in one day? I know it's possible, but it really doesn't leave you any time to really see much.

 I agree with most of this, especially on the rain gear. 

 We did most of the southern coast in one day, and I agree, it's a long day but doable.

[Deleted]

Thanks guys!

I have these boots which I could bring if we decide to do a glacier walk -- but would they be overkill (particularly considering how much suitcase space they'd take up)?  It is weird to think of needing warm boots over Labor Day weekend!!!

Otherwise, I have rain boots, but they aren't as sturdy for walking.

[frlcb]

Aug 5, 2013 13:52:36 GMT -5 v said:

Thanks guys!

I have these boots which I could bring if we decide to do a glacier walk -- but would they be overkill (particularly considering how much suitcase space they'd take up)?  It is weird to think of needing warm boots over Labor Day weekend!!!

Otherwise, I have rain boots, but they aren't as sturdy for walking.

I would probably bring them. FWIW I went at the end of September and it was cool but it wasn't freezing. It was colder outside of Reykjavik, so you want to bring warm stuff (and a rain jacket for sure) but it isn't freezing cold.

[GilliC]

You could always save the luggage space by wearing them on the plane.

Personally, I felt like waterproofing was more important than warmth. Admittedly we were in Iceland in mid-August, but even around here I don't really bother breaking out my insulated boots until the temperature is well below freezing. However, if you don't have hiking shoes or light hiking boots and you don't think you'd have another use for them in the future...

[anasara]

We went to Iceland in May 2012.  I wore sneakers & packed rain ponchos that we never used.  We did some moderate hiking in Thingvellir Nat'l Park but did not do any glacier walking.  Have a blast!

[Deleted]

Thanks guys!

I'd also appreciate any food suggestions (beyond wanderlust's -- thanks!). We'll only be there for three nights and aren't looking for anything fancy...

[frlcb]

Their hot dogs, if you eat lamb. They are supposed to be great but I don't eat meat so I didn't try them.

[Redpoppy]

We did the drive to Jokulsarlon and back in a day like others, stopping at the same places on your itinerary.  I only had sneakers, but we didn't go on any glacier hikes.  We were there 3 days and the main other activities we did were a whale watch tour and Blue Lagoon.

[osumelissa]

We had a really good meal at Icelandic Fish and Chips. We also had a really good meal at a place near the water not too far from Icelandic Fish and Chips...I cannot remember the name right now (I'll have to look it up), but the owner is so sweet, speaks zero english, and has everyone sign a guest book.

I think pretty much everyone i traveled with (there were 8 of us total) had the hot dogs.

[CloudBee]

That sounds good. Layers are great. It's really humid so it feels warmer than it is, IMO.

[CloudBee]

YES! Eat the hot dogs! They are amazing.

[anasara]

Aug 6, 2013 15:14:10 GMT -5 v said:

Thanks guys!

I'd also appreciate any food suggestions (beyond wanderlust's -- thanks!). We'll only be there for three nights and aren't looking for anything fancy...

I'm a vegetarian & was thrilled to find a Middle Eastern place called Habibi right next to the famous hot dog stand across from Harpa (the big concert hall on the water) where I could get decent falafel & other stuff. 

DH is a seafood nut & a local bartender recommened Saegreiffin.  He still talks about how amazing the lobster soup was.  The old guy who runs the place is worth the trip (quite the character!).  And if you're a bit more adventurous they also have whale, aka "Moby Dick on a Stick".

The Laundromat was reasonably priced & very popular with both locals & tourists.  Both meat & veg options here.