To acquire a few personal BTUs, make sure to get one of those Icelandic hotdogs. I wouldn’t say they’re the most amazing culinary experience, but perhaps the Icelandic equivalent of going to Dick’s Drive in.
Reykjavik is tiny and wonderful, as is everything else I've seen there. Enjoy, and I really look forward to hearing about the geothermal in particular.
If you have time to relax Sky Lagoon > Blue Lagoon. Sky Lagoon is quite close to Reykjavík which is a plus. Coincidentally my taxi from Reykjavík to the Sky Lagoon was powered by a hydrogen fuel cell. The driver was very proud of it and I didn't have the heart to show him a sankey graph of a renewable powered EV compared to the lower system efficiency of his hydrogen ride. Have an awesome trip.
Advice from our son (who is doing an environmental/sustainability masters at U of Iceland) -
1) If you want to make Business Iceland (basically the tourism advertising wing of the government) to work for their money, ask them to show you all of their planned sights via public transit.
2) If you want a more real picture of "environmentalism" in the country talk to the Association for a car-free lifestyle.
The lobster soup at Bryggjan in Grindavik is f’in phenomenal. It’s <30 minutes from the airport so I always go there first thing after arriving and last thing before I leave. Also super close to the Blue Lagoon but I agree with the other commenter that Sky Lagoon is the one to go to. Make sure to get a ticket that includes “the ritual”, definitely worth it.
Was there a few years ago, an island in south (Vestmannaeyjar) has been using geothermal heating from a cooling lava field since the 70s. Apparently they're currently adding a heat pump plant to their system. Also there was a big volcanic eruption there in the 70s, a very nice museum there about it
We were just there this summer with our kiddos and had the best time -- we rented an EV and listened to "The Hardest Karaoke Song in the World" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f88UJyCA__M) -- it's pretty catchy and we all learned a few Icelandic words :) Hope you enjoy and drink as much of that clean water you can! And maybe visit a waterfall -- our favorites were Seljalandsfoss (with Gljufrabui within walking distance) and Kvernufoss. Not sure if it's worth the visit, but there's also an eco-village called Solheimer.
Braud bakery in Reykjavik is really good, worth a stop by in the morning or afternoon. If you venture out of the city to see the natural wonders of Iceland, in the town of Selfoss a few hours east is an amazing spot for Langostine and an Icelandic beer (Fjorubordid). Have fun!
To acquire a few personal BTUs, make sure to get one of those Icelandic hotdogs. I wouldn’t say they’re the most amazing culinary experience, but perhaps the Icelandic equivalent of going to Dick’s Drive in.
Better you jetting off to Iceland than many (most?) tourists that burn the kerosene to fly there.
Learn lots, which I am sure you will share!! Thanks David!
Have fun, safe travels & stay healthy!
Reykjavik is tiny and wonderful, as is everything else I've seen there. Enjoy, and I really look forward to hearing about the geothermal in particular.
If you have time to relax Sky Lagoon > Blue Lagoon. Sky Lagoon is quite close to Reykjavík which is a plus. Coincidentally my taxi from Reykjavík to the Sky Lagoon was powered by a hydrogen fuel cell. The driver was very proud of it and I didn't have the heart to show him a sankey graph of a renewable powered EV compared to the lower system efficiency of his hydrogen ride. Have an awesome trip.
Sky Lagoon is on the agenda!
Super awesome! Have fun.
Enjoy the blue lagoon, or the swimming pool in Rejkiavik all geothermally heated. The pool resembles the YMCA
There are these walking food tours that sample local restaurants that are stunning. Like mind blowing. The food is great,
Also, it may not seem like an energy venture, but they grow organic hothouse vegetables and sell them to Europe. The magic of cheap industrial heat!
Advice from our son (who is doing an environmental/sustainability masters at U of Iceland) -
1) If you want to make Business Iceland (basically the tourism advertising wing of the government) to work for their money, ask them to show you all of their planned sights via public transit.
2) If you want a more real picture of "environmentalism" in the country talk to the Association for a car-free lifestyle.
Tourism advice from myself: consider a visit to the Westman Islands on the electric ferry: https://icelandmonitor.mbl.is/news/news/2020/11/28/major_advantages_to_running_ferry_on_electricity/
Have a good trip. You may luck out and get clear skies and northern lights.
The lobster soup at Bryggjan in Grindavik is f’in phenomenal. It’s <30 minutes from the airport so I always go there first thing after arriving and last thing before I leave. Also super close to the Blue Lagoon but I agree with the other commenter that Sky Lagoon is the one to go to. Make sure to get a ticket that includes “the ritual”, definitely worth it.
Eat at Mama Reykjavik- phenomenal vegan food. Also very cozy.
Was there a few years ago, an island in south (Vestmannaeyjar) has been using geothermal heating from a cooling lava field since the 70s. Apparently they're currently adding a heat pump plant to their system. Also there was a big volcanic eruption there in the 70s, a very nice museum there about it
https://www.trafoelettro.com/hs-veitur-district-heating-system/
Excellent, David. Please share suggestions you derive while there too (not just content), for us subscribers who will soon follow you there!
We were just there this summer with our kiddos and had the best time -- we rented an EV and listened to "The Hardest Karaoke Song in the World" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f88UJyCA__M) -- it's pretty catchy and we all learned a few Icelandic words :) Hope you enjoy and drink as much of that clean water you can! And maybe visit a waterfall -- our favorites were Seljalandsfoss (with Gljufrabui within walking distance) and Kvernufoss. Not sure if it's worth the visit, but there's also an eco-village called Solheimer.
Worth standing in the rain for this:
https://guidetoiceland.is/travel-iceland/drive/baejarins-beztu-pyslur
Braud bakery in Reykjavik is really good, worth a stop by in the morning or afternoon. If you venture out of the city to see the natural wonders of Iceland, in the town of Selfoss a few hours east is an amazing spot for Langostine and an Icelandic beer (Fjorubordid). Have fun!