Can I visit the ice cave on my own

Can I visit the ice cave on my own This time we decided to invite one of our guide to give us her own perspective on the whole ice cave hunting idea when in Iceland. Happy reading! Can I visit the ice cave on my own? I know how it feels when your inner Indiana Jones wants to go to the deepest parts of Iceland with NO OTHER people. I understand but let me tell you how it really is with all ice caves. Long time ago, someone saw how blue and magnetic glaciers are and since the first post on Instagram, we are dealing with a syndrome called: “NeedToGoOnTheGlacierItIsSoBeautiful”. Wanting to share the beauty of Icelandic nature and trying to have less rescue missions, we started tours to dangerous but beautiful places, making them look so easy. But they aren’t. Why would you like to go on your own? I guess it is because you want to see how far you can get on a rental car, avoid big groups in the cave and maybe save a bit of money (hey if there is any other reason, let me know, that could be a great talk)? Let’s start with a car. Getting to any ice cave is a challenge. We are going to the most beautiful and probably easiest to reach and still we are using super jeeps. Which are fun and necessary – unless you can drive very precisely, however that won’t help if there is snow and ice on the road…. Money? If ANYTHING happens to your rental car on a road like that, your trip becomes MUCH more expensive than a tour. You also have a teeny-tiny chance that any super jeep will help since there are some insurance issues. You would be on your own (as you wanted). Avoiding big groups. Honestly, the cave is popular, this is why you are reading this article, and I’m not surprised! It is amazing!  Are there any less popular but awesome caves? Yes, there are but first of all we don’t know about them or it takes forever to get near them (for some you need a helicopter ride). But if you book a tour with a small operator like us, I can guarantee you, we will do everything to give you some alone time in the cave. I’m a guide, trust me I also don’t like crowds. “Hey! I have seen this huge cave, I could see it from the road! Let’s go!” Well if there is no one going, there is a reason for it. It is not easy to find a good cave – a lot of them are not blue (plenty are just black because of how much ash and rocks we can have on the glaciers). So if you think you found a holy grail of ice caves just for yourself – don’t go (especially if you have never done things like that before). You also need plenty of equipment too.. Many of them are not safe. The structure of the ice is different depending on: movement of glacier, level of water inside, where the cave is situated. Approaching the cave might be a problem, in general approaching glaciers you need to be aware of rock falls, ice falls, sinkholes, quicksands – no, I’m not joking. Some of the caves are not safe due to volcanic activities in the area like possible earthquakes (just now one of the ice caves got closed for that reason!).  Basically getting on the glacier or into the glacier needs preparation and I mean more than watching a series of youtube videos. I could go on and on about glaciers and how much respect they need from us. But instead let’s talk about solutions. If you want to see a cool ice cave just book a tour. Guides know the area, we know how to get there and when it is not safe to go. The Ice Cave you will see is safe because we take care of it, we know it well and we see the changes. Don’t be silly, take a guide! The Icelandic Civil Protection is strongly advising to not visit glaciers on your own. To be aware. We believe in Iceland that people have equal rights to nature (unless it is private land, then no). Rather relying on stiff rules we believe in natural selection. While driving around Iceland, you will meet some other people. That makes everyone feel like you are gonna be ok even if something will happen. There are all topless vikings waiting to come to you on jet boats or other helicopters. You are right BUT you need to let them know – many places and especially glaciers, don’t have reception. Even if they know where you are it will take hours and I mean HOURS. We are doing our best but Iceland is the place with more sheep than people – resources are limited. Weather wise? Don’t do silly things. ALWAYS check road.is and vedur.is to make sure it is safe to drive. OUR RECENT POSTS

Camping in Iceland

Camping in Iceland No matter if you are travelling on a budget in Iceland or if you want to experience the social media hype of Vanlife – camping in Iceland is very popular. Tourists and Icelanders alike love camping, especially during the summer months. Carrying your home for the night with you gives you so much more flexibility than pre booked hotels and being spontaneous is what Iceland is all about. To make the best of your camping  in Iceland we have some easy-to-follow tips for you. First question is usually is a camper or a tent better in Iceland. While that completely depends on where you are going you should consider a few factors: If you are planning on multi day hikes your best choice will be a lightweight tent. However, with the strong wind gusts even in the summertime you want a high-quality tent and a good sleeping bag. It can get very cold at night all year around and there is nothing worse than not being able to sleep. Sleeping in a tent in the winter is rather uncomfortable and not recommended. Many campers come with an inbuilt heater and kitchen unit. While you don‘t have to worry about your camper ripping apart in the wind, it might not always be safe to drive a bulky car during a storm. And those flying rocks can take your windows out or you off the road. Always check road.is and safetravel.is and you won‘t miss any weather warnings and follow the advice of authorities and locals and don‘t drive on closed roads. Once you park your camper for the night, park with the nose into the wind so you don‘t get motion sick by the shaking of the car if the wind picks up in the night. Is wild camping allowed in Iceland? The easy answer is no. Never in a camper and only in very rare circumstances if you are hiking with a tent in some rural areas of Iceland. The rules about that are so complicated it‘s best to never risk it. Campsites are all over the country and have usually very good facilities and nice spots to park a camper or tent. Campsites are way cheaper than any hotel or any fee for wild camping. You can find many campsites on https://tjalda.is . Usually there is no need to reserve a campsite in advance but during the summertime or on the long holiday weekends of the summer you might want to call ahead to see if they have a spot for you. Most towns have a campsite, but it is worth also checking a little bit off the ring road for a quieter spot. On the other hand, busy campsites give you a new chance every day to meet fellow travelers and Icelanders alike and spend a nice evening together at a bonfire (if allowed). There is no question about following the rules of the campsite, respecting nature, and paying for the fee if requested even at an unmanned campsite. Not all campsites are open all year around. In the wintertime it can get trickier to find a place for the night with open facilities. However, if the campsite is open but the facilities closed, it often is cheaper than during the summer months. Offroad driving is strictly prohibited in Iceland even in uninhabited parts of the country. This is to protect the very fragile environment that you might not even notice but off-roading is heavily fined and despised. You are in Iceland already and you are missing some equipment for your camping adventure? Check out places that rent out camping equipment or check some second hand stores. You can get gas for a cooker at most gas stations or support some of the local restaurants if you are not feeling like cooking every night. If you keep these points in mind for your camping trip in Iceland, we are sure you will be a happy camper and remember even though your time in Iceland is limited on a holiday – the places you have not been to yet are just another reason to visit Iceland again! OUR RECENT POSTS

Where to stay when taking a trip with Local Guide

Where to stay when taking a trip with Local Guide One of the questions we get asked most often is “Where should I stay when we come to the ice caves” so hopefully we can shed some light on the best locations to stay in this area. We always recommend that you stay in the local area when coming to visit us as the weather can be unpredictable, so it is best to eliminate any long drives from your itinerary. We suggest staying no further than Kirkjubæjarklaustur to the West or Höfn to the East. We do not recommend driving to and from Reykjavík in one day as we are located around 4.5 hours from the capital and weather conditions in the winter can be unpredictable leading to road closures and the limited daylight hours mean it can be a long and dark journey. There are a lot of hotels and guesthouses within a 1 hour drive so we’ve put together a list of some of our favorites to help with your trip planning.* Kirkjubæjarklaustur: This is a small town around 125km from our meeting location. Home to the stunning Systrafoss double waterfall, there are some great local walks as well as a small supermarket, ATM and local pool with geothermal hot tubs. The restaurant Systrakaffi offers local food and a good selection of beer and the gas station has hot dogs and ice cream perfect for a meal on the run.  Hotel Magma: This is a new hotel in Kirkjubæjarklaustur and consists of smaller rooms within the main building and then gorgeous grass roofed cabins overlooking a lake. These cabins have a fresh modern interior. There is also a Bistro offering breakfast and dinner. Hotel Laki: A mixture of hotel rooms and small cabins set away from the main Route 1. This hotel offers lovely views, perfect for Northern Lights hunting but with the convenience of the nearby town. Skaftafell-Hnapavellir: Hotel Skaftafell is 50km from our winter meeting location. This is a traditional family run hotel in the perfect location with glaciers in the backyard and the entrance to the National Park just 2 minutes’ drive away. The food in the hotel is delicious with an excellent seasonal menu, however if you fancy something lighter, you only have to cross the main road to go to the gas station which offers freshly cooked meals all day as well as a small well stocked supermarket offering supplies and gifts. The potato storage is a family run guesthouse apartment on a small farm. It is perfect for those wanting self-catering accommodation or a little more flexibility if travelling with children. It is located in the village of Svínafell just along from Skaftafell, so the convenience of the gas station is just down the road.  Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon 30km from our winter meeting location is one of the newest hotels in the area. Boasting a swish interior and a sauna in the basement this is a popular choice with those looking for a high-end choice in the area. Enjoy a drink on the terrace overlooking the fields out to the sea. Gerði-Höfn  Hotel Hali is 15km from our meeting location in the Gerði area. This hotel also has a small café and museum on site and is a great choice if you want to minimize your drive to the ice cave and also want to learn a bit about the history of the area at the Thórbergur centre. Skýrhusið is a guest house in the same area as Hotel Hali. It is a cozy guesthouse offering a comfy and economical choice close to our meeting location. Hotel Smyrlabjörg 35km from is a favorite among our staff, as this traditional hotel offers the best Christmas buffet, and our annual visits are a highlight of the calendar. The location is quiet, set back from the road with good local food and clean accommodation.  Guesthouse Lilja 50km from base is a popular guesthouse with modern accommodation, not quite as far as Höfn but close enough to access the amenities with a short drive to town.  Milk Factory 80km  is a great choice in Höfn, with views over the mountains and glacier but on the doorstep of the main town. A good choice when choosing to stay in town.  *Please note that these distances are based on the meeting location of Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon which could be subject to change if the location of the ice cave differs. Please get in touch for more up to date information for the current season. OUR RECENT POSTS

The Local Guide to winter driving in Iceland

The Local Guide to winter driving in Iceland Driving in Iceland can be an unexpected cultural experience for tourists visiting for the first time. Winter in Iceland is often more unpredictable, snowy and icy than people anticipate. Winter driving in Iceland can be a challenge on its own. There are a few things to keep in mind when driving the south coast to visit the ice caves, Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and Diamond Beach, so we’re here to give you the local heads up.  You can find standard winter driving tips from SafeTravel.is. This blog gives you a handy list of websites to check to avoid running into trouble, local tips for bad weather, advice on what to do if you need to get towed, and some details on gas stations in the south of Iceland.   Websites to check when winter driving in Iceland Safetravel.is – you can follow their updates on their website, but the best way is to follow them on Facebook and then turn on Notifications and “See First” in your feed so you don’t miss any updates about storms or windy, snowy conditions. They do a really good job of putting the weather data and road updates in context for you. Road.is will give you details on the conditions of the winter roads. If you look at the legend beneath the road map photo, you’ll see the colour code for the lines and symbols that tell you how severe the snow storms are. Make sure to keep checking this a lot when siging up for winter driving in Iceland. Vedur.is – the weather website for all of Iceland will give you the temperature, wind and rain (snow) forecasts. You can change the website to English in the top right corner on mobile or desktop, and by selecting “South East” you’ll see the map for Kirkjubaejarklauster to Hofn. If you’re driving to/from Vik, you’ll need to check the “South” map.  Grapevine.is – The Reykjavik Grapevine is a newspaper available in English throughout Iceland. They were also great at updating tourists regularly on weather warnings. Best thing to do is follow them on Facebook and Follow so you see the weather updates when they appear.  What am I looking for in the forecast? If the temperature on the road is between 0-3 degrees celcius, any precipitation may be snow or sleet. This means you could have very slippery roads or poor visibility. Add wind (especially gusts over 15 m/s) and the roads could be quite dangerous. If it’s not possible to wait until better weather, drive slowly. This is very important to do when winter driving in Iceland. Road plows Within the Reykjavik area the streets are almost fully plowed and salted. From the town Hvolsvollur (1.5 hours from Reykjavik) onwards, you need to wait until the plows start work from around 7am-8am. Every major town or area (Vik, Kirkjubaejarklauster, Skaftafell, Hofn) will have someone operating a plow, but they need to drive in both directions, and it’s at least an hour between the towns. This means the road can be very difficult to drive early in the morning as sometimes the snow clumps on the black ice and people need to take turns driving on the plowed sections. Cleaning of the roads can simply take a bit of time so make sure to plan for extra time when being on a car and winter driving in Iceland. It’s a good idea to add at least 15-20 minutes more per hour you have to drive when planning. This way, if you’re staying in Svinafell and need to go to Jökulsárlón (40 mins), leaving 60 mins would be a reasonable amount of time to allow you to drive around 50-70km/h instead of 90km/h.   Gas stations Always try to have a full tank of gas in winter! You have to fill it up before you give it back anyway, right?  Your car rental company may give you a discount keyring, but only taking gas from these stations to “save money” will cost you more than 5c a litre if you run out.  There is always a chance that the unmanned gas stations will run out of fuel and it might take an evening or a day to refuel them. Special note for friends from the US: You need a 4 digit pin code on your cards. Arrange this before you go. Consider buying a 10.000 ISK ($90 USD) N1 card at the first manned station you see, as many of the unmanned rural pumps are N1. Here’s hoping if you get stuck you meet a friendly person you can PayPal cash to if all else fails! There are gas stations at: Kirkjubaejarklauster – N1 (manned, 8am-10pm), Orkan (unmanned) Skaftafell “Freysnes” – Orkan (manned 9am – 8pm) Fagurholsmyri – N1 (unmanned, but you can buy gas cards from Cafe Vatnajokull when it is open) Nes – N1 (unmanned) Hofn – N1 (manned 9am – 10pm), Olis (manned 9am – 10pm) This blog is also a great summary of how gas stations work in Iceland and the Visit Vatnajokull site will give you up to date opening times as they change between summer and winter. What to do when you run off the road in Iceland Uh-oh, you’re off the road. Legally people in Iceland have to stop at an accident and see if people are okay, so you won’t be alone for long. Try to only drive in unpopulated areas (like between Kirkjubaejarklauster and Hofn) in daylight or reasonable hours that people might be driving by, just in case you get stuck and don’t have cell reception. Getting towed Unfortunately, new rental car rules mean only licensed tow trucks are allowed to pull you back on the road. Any damages from pulling with a private car will fall on you and are not covered by insurance. SADCars have a very handy map of tow trucks around Iceland. Kirkjubaejarklauster: UniCars – 649-4979 and Pálmi – 897-0090. Hof: Sigurður – 893-1150 Hofn:

A guide to Iceland’s glaciers

A guide to Iceland’s glaciers Glaciers cover more than 10% of Iceland. They have been around way longer than any settlement and have gone through many phases of growing and melting. Icelandic nature is very vulnerable. Climate change is having a significant impact on Icelandic Glaciers.  Jökull is the Icelandic word for glacier. A glacier is moving under its own weight, slowly down the mountains, forming crevasses and beautiful patterns. When a glacier stops moving it cannot be a jökull anymore, Okjökull in the west of Iceland was the first glacier to be declared dead in 2014. With that there was a monument set up with a letter to the future that reads: „Ok is the first Icelandic glacier to lose its status as a glacier.In the next 200 years all our glaciers are expected to follow the same path.This monument is to acknowledge that we knowwhat is happening and what needs to be done.Only you know if we did it.“ A glacier that you can see from Reykjavík, when the visibility is good, is Snæfellsjökull. For the first time in recorded history the summit was ice free in the summer of 2012. This stratovolcano is one of Iceland’s smaller glaciers and is melting rapidly. Snæfellsjökull is located on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula within the Snæfellsjökull National Park and got world famous through the Novel Journey to the Centre of the Earth. A great way to get closer to Snæfellsjökull is a road trip around the entire peninsula. Vatnajökull, the water glacier, covers around 7700km2 which is around 8% of Iceland. It has lost more than 15% of its volume during the last centuries but is still Europe’s largest ice cap. Located in Vatnajökull National Park, Europe’s largest National Park, it was inscribed on the World Heritage List. There are 8 volcanoes located underneath the ice of Vatnajökull, two of them belong to the most active volcanoes of the country. Iceland’s highest peak, Hvannadalshnúkur, standing at 2110 meters, is widely visible from the south coast.  The many glacier outlets on the southern side are famous for Glacier Hikes and Ice Cave Tours. Svínafellsjökull has been starred in many international movies, Skaftafell is a dream destination for hikers and camping in Iceland, Falljökull is famous for Ice Climbing and Glacier Hikes with a view of the ice fall, a very crevassed and beautiful of the glacier. The area around Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is a favorite to watch seals and floating icebergs. The icebergs wash out to sea and get back to a beach in smaller pieces, giving this place the name Diamond Beach.  The southside of Vatnajökull is also famous for the blue ice cave tours. Gaining in popularity local guides take people in the underworld of Vatnajökull to explore the natural Ice Caves during the wintertime in Iceland. The region is a magnet for photographers, geologists, film makers and families alike. The long glacier, Langjökull, can be seen from Geysir on the popular tourist road called the Golden Circle. Ice Cave Tours on this glacier are often man-made ice tunnels in the glacier that allow visits all year around. Hofsjökull is very difficult to reach even though it is Iceland’s third biggest glacier. It can only be reached during the summertime since it is in the middle of the Icelandic highlands and capable cars and guides are necessary. In between the two glaciers Mýrdalsjökull and the world famous Eyjafjallajökull lies a beautiful hiking trail called Fimmvörðuháls. Eyjafjallajökull became famous with the 2010 eruption proving its name to be a tongue twister for many foreign news reporters. Sólheimajökull, which is a part of Mýrdalsjökull, is a great destination for people not travelling further than the south tip of Iceland. Katla, one of Iceland’s biggest volcanoes, is located under Mýrdalsjökull as well. There is one glacier in Iceland that has not decreased in size in recent years, Drangajökull. Iceland’s fifth biggest glacier is located in the Westfjords and is the only glacier located completely under 1000 meters, with the highest point being 925 meters. Iceland’s glaciers play an enormous part in the identity of the country. Nowhere else do people live that close to the glaciers. There is great undertaking to take responsibility for the environmental footprint of locals and travelers alike. Off road driving is strictly prohibited and glaciers should only be explored with a local guide. The glaciers can tell us stories from the past, we have the honor to live with them today and it is our actions that decide what the future generations get to witness. OUR RECENT POSTS

A day in Reykjavik with young kids

A day in Reykjavík with young kids There is so much to see and do in Reykjavik, and when travelling with young children it might not be immediately obvious what the best activities would be. This is intended to give some inspiration for some non-tour based suggestions for a day out in Reykjavík with kids, and  especially perfect for the little ones. Swimming Swimming pools are a huge part of Icelandic culture, there are over 150 public pools on the island and many families visit their local pool multiple times a week. They are a great place to socialise, relax in the hot pots and of course let the little terrors burn off some energy. Within the capital itself the most popular pool is Laugardalslaug and it is definitely great for kids but if you want to venture into some of the neighbouring suburbs of Reykjavík you will also find some great options. Ásvallalaug in Hafnarfjörður is a great pool for even the rainiest of days. Whilst they still have the classic outdoor hot tubs, their main pools and tubs are inside. There are 2 kids pools as well as an indoor waterslide meaning nobody has to get cold. They also have a huge selection of floats and pool toys that are always a big hit. Álftaneslaug in Álftanes is famed for the tallest water slide in Iceland, this small local pool by the sea also has the only wave pool in Iceland which is definitely a big hit with the kids.  Salalaug is a really lovely pool in Kópavogur, they have a great big bubbly hot tub/jacuzzi perfect for the family as well as some brand new slides and play equipment in the outdoor kids pool. There are so many great pools on the island and you can see all details listed on the city page in English. Whilst it is always recommended that you bring swimming clothing to Iceland to take advantage of the geothermal water, swim clothing and towels can be rented at each pool and arm bands/floaties are free to borrow. Museums  Whilst some museums don’t appeal to younger children who may get bored easily, there are two great interactive museums/exhibits that definitely come as a recommended activity in Reykjavík with kids.  Perlan in Öskjuhlíð looms over the city, the impressive glass dome sits atop 4 water tanks. In the past there was a revolving restaurant at the top but not much else within the building, however after closing for a time and undergoing renovations Perlan is now an incredible destination with interactive exhibits about some of Iceland’s best natural wonders. At the ´Wonders of Iceland´ you can visit a replica of an ice cave that is really made of ice, encounter replica sea birds and even see the Northern Lights. The exhibits are really interactive and hands on. After all the fun, if  you need some refreshment you can head up to the glass dome at the top floor where there is a restaurant, cafe and ice cream shop as well as a viewing deck with 360 degree views over the city.  After visiting the museum you can wander into the woods surrounding the hill and go rabbit spotting as the  area is home to lots of rabbits who can be found hiding among the trees.  Whales of Iceland is home to 23 lifesize whale models, interactive exhibits and VR experience. This is a great location for families and free for children under 7 years old. There is also an app that can be downloaded with an audio guide in English. Whales of Iceland is located in the Grandi area of Reykjavík and there are some great places to eat and most importantly…grab an ice cream. Ice cream Ice cream is another staple of Icelandic culture, there is even a special word ísbiltúr which means to go in the car to get ice cream and you will find Icelanders eating ice cream in all weathers! We have already written a good piece about icelandic ice cream culture. Just in case you don´t have enough of this topic yet. Valdís started with one location down in Grandi but also has a second location in the centre of the capital as well as tubs available in some of the supermarkets. The ice cream is made on site and they have some unique and interesting flavours.  Among the classics you will find liquorice flavours, although perhaps not as kid friendly they are worth a try. The salted nut and caramel and kinder egg come highly recommended.  Gaeta Gelato is the new kid on the block, they sell real homemade Italian gelato and it is a welcome addition to downtown. Found slap-bang in the centre of town this gelato joint is 100% worth the visit. There are some amazing italian flavors as well as their invention Skyrsoft which is soft serve ice cream made from Icelandic skyr. You might see a queue but it will move fast and be worth the wait. Skúbb is found next to the large pool Laugardalslaug, it is a delicious local ice cream shop that makes the ice cream from organic milk and pride themselves on their plastic free packaging. The recommendation here is to take the bragðarefur where you mix 3 scoops alongside some of their home made candies and baked goods, top with sauce and blended together. Indulgent but a sure crowd pleaser and perfect to share.  Lunch Whilst moving away from ice cream it is still time to focus on food. . It can be hard to know where to find the best places to eat, especially with young kids. One of the great things about Iceland is as a small community it is very kid friendly, you will find almost all restaurants have high chairs as well as some kind of kid menu. Here are a couple of suggestions that should please the whole family  Laundromat is a staple of family dining in Reykjavík. There is a  great menu

6 ways to travel sustainably in Iceland: Local tips

6 ways to travel sustainably in Iceland: Local tips Eating local and traditional food in Iceland Let’s separate this into two sections. Firstly, local. You’ll find that in most grocery stores most of the groceries are wrapped in plastic so you can try to buy unpackaged food. However, be careful to buy Icelandic produce where you can. You’ll notice that labels will list the country of origin (in Icelandic) and there’s even a sneaky mushroom company that has their label in Icelandic, but the produce comes from Holland. We don’t grow much here in Iceland, regrettably, but what we do grow is fresh and much better for you and the environment than the imported stuff! Secondly, traditional. It’s pretty well-established that the biggest consumers of whale and puffin are tourists, and that these species are endangered. Best to keep to more sustainable traditional alternatives like white fish, lax, and free-roaming icelandic lamb. You could even go a step further and indulge in the whole animal – you can buy svid (sheep’s head jelly, like chunky pate) in the supermarket. Icelanders who aren’t partial to a particular food will probably tell you their parents made them eat it far too often as children.  Also consider buying the reusable bags when you’re grocery shopping. They have them at the vinbudin (alcohol store), Bonus, Kronan, and Netto and they make great laundry bags, storage bags, and of course it’ll be a nice little souvenir at home. It’ll take a while for the total ban on plastic bags to come into effect, but in the meantime just buy a reusable one instead of a plastic one!  Recycling in Iceland Reduce, reuse and recycle! Try the first two before you get to recycling, but where you are buying packaging consider especially going for aluminum tins and cans over plastic bottles and bags.  A big recycling center called Sorpa  in Reykjavik accepts all uncrushed glass and plastic bottles and drinking cans in exchange for cash. When you put your washed/rinsed bottles and cans in the metal cages, or bottles/cans (dosir og floskur) bins, they get transported through this system and the local and national voluntary search and rescue teams receive the proceeds. While glass bottles can be recycled this war, jars (commonly feta cheese, sauces etc) cannot and must be dropped off at centres in Reykjavik. Consider reusing these and taking them home!  You can also recycle the tetra packs (mostly milk cartons, but also juice cartons) in Iceland where you might not in other countries. Rinse them and fold them flat. We also have hard plastic recycling, so please check the labels of your items to see if you can put them in the plastic/paper (plast/pappir) bins.  #kranavatn – drinking sustainably in Iceland Kranavatn, a campaign launched by the Icelandic Tourism body Inspired by Iceland this summer highlights that fact you can drink icelandic “tap water”! And the water on the glaciers! And the water in the streams! And even though the hot water sometimes smells a bit eggy because of its geothermal origins, let it run for a second on cold and it’ll become the beautifully cold glacier/snowmelt/rain/mountain water that all Icelanders love.  We also love coffee but it’s very basic. Black coffee. Maybe some milk. We’re quite good about having oat milk for vegans and lactose-intolerant customers in the city and “proper” cafes, but most places serve basic black plunger coffee or machine coffee (where really, you should just go for the plunger coffee and milk). Remember your reusable mug or cup because ithere are usually only paper or plastic cups available, even where you might “dine in”. Also consider, we use it in all our local beer so double and triple points for drinking at local breweries like Ölverk, Smidjan and Jon Riki while you’re on the south coast.    Local handicrafts There are lots and lots of souvenirs you can purchase as mementos when you’re in Iceland, but of course it’s always better to buy local. If you’re looking for a signature lopapeysa, you can buy one second hand at the Red Cross Stores, and pick up a new handmade one in the various handicraft stores or the Icelandic Handknitting Association on Skolavordstigur near Hallgrimskirkja. Matta at Cafe Vatnajokull in Oraefi, near where the Local Guide tours depart, also sells knitting, handicrafts, travel mugs and second-hand cups and plates from Red Cross stores around Iceland if you’re looking for a very local memento from your trip to the glaciers.  Hand carved wooden items, paintings and small crafts, hand thrown ceramics,and little handmade knick knacks are almost certainly hand made by individuals here in Iceland whereas sometimes it can be hard to tell where some of the t-shirts, plastic viking hats, magnets etc. are from.  You can also buy lots of Icelandic and nordic design in stores like Epal and Hrim on Laugarvegur. If you’re looking for animal products like furs and skins, the larger animals like reindeer, sheep and the occasional horse are a byproduct of the animals being used for meat or being put down so you don’t need to worry about them being slaughtered just for their skins.  Icelanders love books, so much so we have a “book flood” at Christmastime where books are lovingly gifted to the family members and shared around. There are many Icelandic titles published in English, available to buy from the bookstores Eymundsson, that will bring back memories of Iceland and immerse you in our culture long after you’ve left our shores.  If you’re here during Christmastime, consider checking out one of the weekend markets around the city. If you’re not into purchasing crafts you can always buy a tree to be planted as a gift for someone or yourself. Usually Icelanders buy fireworks to set off in their backyards for Christmas and New Year, but last year the Forestry Service offered people the option to buy trees to be planted and they sold several thousand! Don’t feed the wildlife/people’s pets It goes

Why an Ice Cave Tour should be on everyone’s bucket list

Why an Ice Cave Tour should be on everyone’s bucket list Chances are you chose to visit Iceland in the wintertime because of Northern Lights. As beautiful as they are they can be quite unpredictable and there is another natural phenomenon you should not miss: ice caves. Formed by the rivers running underneath our glaciers, most ice caves are only accessible in the wintertime. When the rivers change their paths and temperatures drop Local Guides head out scouting on the outlet glaciers of Iceland’s biggest glacier Vatnajökull. Ice caves come in all shapes and sizes. Some are big and have very blue ice, others are twisty and you can see layers of volcanic ash or trapped air bubbles in the crystal-clear ice. When the caves are safe to explore, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is a great meeting point to start off on the glacier. You will get all suited up with safety equipment and jump into a super jeep. These cars are modified with extra big tires getting you as close as possible to the glacier. The ride might be bumpy but for sure an experience on its own. You will get to travel through a landscape shaped by the glacier that is not easy to access otherwise. All tours with Local Guide are carbon neutralized by planting trees.  Ice cave tour – what to expect? After a short hike through the old glacier bed where you can see firsthand how the glacier is retreating you will approach the glacier. What looks just like a deep black hole from afar is your door into another world. Ice caves change every year and even during the season. A famous Ice cave that you get to visit on the Ice Cave Tour with a Local Guide is the Sapphire ice cave. You will get to learn about the glacier and explore the different features a cave has to offer. Opportunities for beautiful photos are all around and you can take your time enjoying this special moment. Ice caves deserve a place on everyone’s Iceland road trip bucket list. But that can mean the caves get busy during some periods in the winter. We at Local Guide have many years of experience and schedule our ice cave tours to depart at less busy times. We can never promise you to be alone in an ice cave during the ice cave tour, but we will always make sure to give you the best possible experience. When your cameras and hearts are full, we start heading back to another adventurous super jeep right back to our meeting location. Don’t forget to have a look around the glacier lagoon and diamond beach and if you are lucky, you might even see Northern Lights in this area without any light pollution. And if you can’t get enough of ice caves there are also full day adventures that include glacier hikes and more remote ice caves like the Ice Cave Discovery! Why is it worth to join the ice cave with Local Guide? An ice cave tour in Iceland is one of the most unforgettable adventures you can add to your travel bucket list. Hidden beneath Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier, these natural wonders showcase vivid blue ice formations sculpted by time and seasonal change. Each winter, new caves are formed, making every ice cave tour a completely unique experience. Joining an ice cave tour allows you to explore safely with experienced local guides who know the terrain and conditions intimately. The journey itself—often beginning near Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon—is as breathtaking as the destination, with snow-covered landscapes and the chance to walk inside a living glacier. Whether you’re a photographer, thrill-seeker, or nature lover, an ice cave tour offers awe-inspiring beauty, fascinating geology, and memories that last a lifetime. Don’t miss the chance to witness one of Iceland’s most magical sights—an ice cave tour is truly a must for any adventurer.   OUR RECENT POSTS

4 ways to plan your sustainable trip to Iceland: The Basics 

4 ways to plan your sustainable trip to Iceland: The Basics When we guide people on the glacier, the question we get most frequently is, “Is the glacier melting because of climate change/global warming?”, often followed by, “Are we hurting the glacier by walking on it?” The question of how climate change affects the glaciers deserves a blog of its own, but to answer the second question, the hikes and footfalls themselves are not the issue. A challenge facing the sustainable or eco-tourism industry is how to provide more sustainable or eco-friendly options for tourists visiting our country. Sometimes there isn’t much of a choice (as in, whether to fly or say, sail to Iceland) but we’ve tried to round-up some choices you could make to have a more sustainable trip in Iceland.  Offsetting your flight to Iceland Unfortunately, there are not many options for reaching Iceland. Travelling by car requires you to take the ferry from Denmark, and sea-based operations like cruise ships come with their own large carbon footprint. If flying, try to book non-stop flights or minimize stopovers whenever you can: It’s the take offs and landings that create most of an airplane’s carbon emissions. It’s worth seeing if the airline you fly with has a carbon reduction program like Icelandair, who have an inbuilt carbon calculator and connections to Icelandic companies that plant trees locally. Otherwise, you can estimate your carbon emissions using a calculator like My Climate and then choose one of their programs, or donate to an Iceland-based company like the Forestry Service’s Iceland Carbon Fund Kolviður. Electric car rental, bus travel, ridesharing and hitchhiking in Iceland  For a country with one main highway (and the odd road poking out the sides), Iceland has taken a while to coordinate electric car travel with tourism. There is now one company, Geysir Car Rental, offering a small fleet of electric cars for about €600 for a week (as compared to about €300 for an automatic bensin/diesel car). It’s worth calculating how much and where you’ll be driving, because at between 200 – 240ISK a litre (€2 a litre or $7 USD a gallon) you might find it worth the initial upfront cost to go electric or hybrid. This is a good blog about fuel costs in Iceland. The electric network is better than ever, so our advice is to check in with Geysir car rental and ask them questions pertaining to your itinerary, and plan driving times and the length of your days around charging stations. It is also possible to take the bus year-round in Iceland, although it’s a lengthier and less-reliable journey in the winter due to weather delays. Nonetheless, you can take buses around town with Straeto (make sure you get the app!), to the highlands with companies like Trex.is and Reykjavik Excursions, and consider getting a bus pass that covers the popular south coast, the highlands, or the ring road.  Samferda, “travelling together” is a ridesharing website where people advertise rides or request them. It’s always polite to offer your host cash/PayPal for gas as it’s quite expensive here, although some won’t ask for this. You can also try the ol’ thumb on the road, but this is mainly successful on the south coast and can be hard to manage in bad weather so always have a back up plan.  Lastly, you could consider taking tours with local companies like our friends Hidden Iceland to reduce the days you rent your car, sharing fuel, and to boot, getting some good local guidance.  Sustainable accommodation A lot of travellers want to have the “authentic” experience when travelling in Iceland, but it’s important to consider whether your desire to experience the “real” Reykjavik is having a detrimental effect on the actual residents. AirBnB is a double-edged sword. For some residents, it can assist with rental costs, but many apartments listed on AirBnB are run like guesthouses and hotels and are effectively pushing people out of the housing market. Reykjavik has more hotel rooms than ever before and prices have been adjusted to reflect this so consider booking a hotel in the city center. You can get a great sense of Icelandic design from visiting the many stores and bars downtown. Outside of the city, it’s much better for the local economy to book into guesthouses and AirBnB cottages and cabins. Many icelanders have summer houses they occasionally rent out, or run guesthouses out of older farms that they can no longer work due to age or the changing market. Here, your money is going directly into the pockets of the local communities rather than larger hotel chains based out of Reykjavik, so you’re helping to support schools, roads, services, and individuals. Community-based tourism: Local, small family business  The way to truly support small business and local communities in Iceland is to go with companies and guides that pay their tax to their local communities. This supports schools so children can grow up in the countryside with their families, preschools so working parents (especially mothers like Local guides Helen and Lotta!) can help run local businesses, road and plow services, recycling, search and rescue, and health centres. The tour companies operating from the city will definitely be doing their part as many of the employees are long-term residents of Reykjavik, but where you can help out the 30% odd percent who live outside of the city, go for it! Our pick for city tours is always going to be our friends Hidden Iceland not just because all their founders and guides are extremely smart and extremely attractive, but because they support families, pay a living wage, choose local operators and offset their carbon footprint. When you have the chance outside of Reykjavik to book day tours, consider doing it with family companies like Midgard Adventure and KatlaTrack for your south coast adventures near the Highlands and Vik, and we’d love to have you for your Skaftafell shenanigans. Send us a line if you’re after

Best Blue Ice Cave in Iceland

Best Blue Ice Cave in Iceland What pops up when you research a winter activity in Iceland? Blue Ice Caves! Ice Cave photography has gained huge popularity during the last years and there are so many breathtaking photos of ice caves out there that it can be a bit overwhelming to know where to go and what to expect. Let ‘s start at the beginning. Ice caves in Iceland are mostly formed by rivers underneath the glacier that leave beautiful formed caves, tunnel systems or canyons in the ice. This means ice caves always change and never look the same. Some are bigger than others and not all are blue. Sometimes you can see layers of volcanic ash or air bubbles trapped in the old crystal-clear ice. What brings us to the next question: When can I visit the Ice Caves? Most natural ice caves are only available in the wintertime, usually from the beginning of October until the end of March. The rivers get smaller, and the Ice is the most beautiful with the colder temperatures. This also means you should never visit an ice cave without a professional guide and safety equipment. The local guides know the caves very well and are trained to spot any areas that are not safe. Also, if something happens you need someone with the right training to rescue you out of any situation. And glacier guides can tell you all about the secret spots and favorite glacier knowledge. But what is the best Ice Cave in Iceland? With the caves changing every year it is hard to determine on one favorite ice cave. Even though some glacier outlets have the prettiest caves year after year. Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is not just a famous sight on its own, it is also an ideal location to get to a natural ice cave on Iceland’s biggest glacier. Some famous ice caves you might have found online from this little corner of the world were the Crystal Ice Cave or Treasure Island Ice Cave. In recent years the Sapphire Ice Cave has made an appearance year after year and is a beautiful big blue ice cave in the Southeast of Iceland. To make sure you will get to see the best ice cave out there, local guides head out in the autumn for ice cave scouting. They cover many kilometers of glacier and jump into every black hole they see. So we can be sure the best ice cave tours are starting on the south side of Vatnajökull Glacier. Superjeeps transport small groups closer to the glacier. You can choose the adventure that suits you the best: ice Cave tours are for families, professional and hobby photographers or you and your friends. There are public ice cave tours or private options. Some are specific photography tours, others you can try ice climbing and combine it all with a glacier hike. This winter activity in Iceland is one you should not miss. OUR RECENT POSTS