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Haje
How is iceland in the summer? Does it ever get under 10 degrees? What are the average temperatures? I'm vert interested in going hiking/camping there in the summer, and don't know if I should bring a camping hammock or a tent? Any suggestions will be great, thanks
Answer
Iceland is not a single climate zone. It varies tremendously, from rainforest-level rainfall in the south to desert in the northeast, and likewise with temperature.
The average ReykjavÃk july high is something like 16C, with several degrees colder at night. *But there is variation day to day*, so yes, below 10C is possible even in ReykjavÃk. Up in the highlands, it's probable.
I've hammock camped up here before, and while it's possible, it's a challenge. I'll go ahead and tell you the joke that everyone here learns to tell tourists at age six:
Q: "How do you find your way out of an Icelandic forest?"
A: "Stand up."
It's not quite that bad, but the forests here aren't going to be breaking any records any time soon. There are some nice ones up in the northeast by Egilsstaðir, and few other places, and even a couple nice forests in ReykjavÃk itself (I love ÃskjuhlÃð), but the majority of the country has no trees, or only small ones. I once hammock-camped hanging on the side of a cliff in Fjallabak, but kept waking up the whole night because the cliff was crumbling and that was freaking me the **** out ;)
Iceland is not a single climate zone. It varies tremendously, from rainforest-level rainfall in the south to desert in the northeast, and likewise with temperature.
The average ReykjavÃk july high is something like 16C, with several degrees colder at night. *But there is variation day to day*, so yes, below 10C is possible even in ReykjavÃk. Up in the highlands, it's probable.
I've hammock camped up here before, and while it's possible, it's a challenge. I'll go ahead and tell you the joke that everyone here learns to tell tourists at age six:
Q: "How do you find your way out of an Icelandic forest?"
A: "Stand up."
It's not quite that bad, but the forests here aren't going to be breaking any records any time soon. There are some nice ones up in the northeast by Egilsstaðir, and few other places, and even a couple nice forests in ReykjavÃk itself (I love ÃskjuhlÃð), but the majority of the country has no trees, or only small ones. I once hammock-camped hanging on the side of a cliff in Fjallabak, but kept waking up the whole night because the cliff was crumbling and that was freaking me the **** out ;)
Go to Iceland or stay and regret it?
filipo
I have wanted to go to Iceland for the 6-7 years.
My plan is for August but money is very tight and I don't want to give up on a dream.
I am stubborn.
Most folks ask why and say it is unrealistic.
I have already started to make contacts in Reykjavik too.
I should not question it and just do what ever the fuck I want..and I will.
Is this a tad crazy?
Answer
No, Iceland is awesome. I moved here after I visited in 2011, that's how much I fell in love with the place :)
So basically your problem is money? Here you go:
1) Monitor the Icelandair website - check at least twice a week for at least a couple weeks to see what usual prices are, low prices are, etc. Check both nearby times and times in the future. When you see a ticket with a low price, grab it.
2) Use couchsurfing when you can to stay for free and meet locals (to improve your record, start hosting people where you live so people here will be more likely to host you). When you can't, use hostels. Shop around, there's *big* differences in lodging prices here in Iceland. Oh, and camping is great here and cheap or free (you can even wildcamp), if you have suitable gear for cool weather.
3) Domestic travel: rental cars are very expensive here. Bus travel is very limited outside of the capitol but is an option. Hitchhiking is free, fairly popular, and generally safe here - the only downside is, it's unpredictable. Oh, and there's carsharing websites like samferda.net.
4) Food: Restaurants are expensive. Grocery stores here are not, except on certain products (mainly imported fruit and vegetables - oh, and of course alcohol, which you can't buy in grocery stores anyway).
5) Entertainment: Tours are very expensive. But most things in the country are free. Theres no "national park entrance fees" or anything of that nature.
6) Other tips: travel off-season to make everything cheaper and increase the availability of couchsurfing hosts if you can. Of course, that means not getting the 24-7 daylight, as much green, or as warm of temperatures. But every season has its charms.
Hope that helps!
No, Iceland is awesome. I moved here after I visited in 2011, that's how much I fell in love with the place :)
So basically your problem is money? Here you go:
1) Monitor the Icelandair website - check at least twice a week for at least a couple weeks to see what usual prices are, low prices are, etc. Check both nearby times and times in the future. When you see a ticket with a low price, grab it.
2) Use couchsurfing when you can to stay for free and meet locals (to improve your record, start hosting people where you live so people here will be more likely to host you). When you can't, use hostels. Shop around, there's *big* differences in lodging prices here in Iceland. Oh, and camping is great here and cheap or free (you can even wildcamp), if you have suitable gear for cool weather.
3) Domestic travel: rental cars are very expensive here. Bus travel is very limited outside of the capitol but is an option. Hitchhiking is free, fairly popular, and generally safe here - the only downside is, it's unpredictable. Oh, and there's carsharing websites like samferda.net.
4) Food: Restaurants are expensive. Grocery stores here are not, except on certain products (mainly imported fruit and vegetables - oh, and of course alcohol, which you can't buy in grocery stores anyway).
5) Entertainment: Tours are very expensive. But most things in the country are free. Theres no "national park entrance fees" or anything of that nature.
6) Other tips: travel off-season to make everything cheaper and increase the availability of couchsurfing hosts if you can. Of course, that means not getting the 24-7 daylight, as much green, or as warm of temperatures. But every season has its charms.
Hope that helps!
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