Iceland's Natural Beauty General - 2022

[IWantToLiveOverTheSea]

1 hour ago, VI_Lounger said:

Well, we got our wish and are now busy investigating all of the new excursions added for July 3 to decide what to change. It looks like the kinks of being shutdown for so long are being worked out and we will all get to experience Iceland the way we hoped! 

The rest of us just need patience.  I wish people would be more positive.  It will be fine, and even if it isn't, we'll be cruising again (and earlier than most people), in a wonderful, beautiful country on a fabulous ship.  If I had wanted perfection, I would have booked a 2022 trip or planned a road trip around Iceland.  And even if we're just cruising down a fjord doing nothing, hopefully the scenery will make up for anything that may not be perfect. 

 

-Cheerleader Ruth

 

[Australia08]

3 minutes ago, Peregrina651 said:

 

Okay, here's the bad news. I checked on today's MVJ:

 

Dynjandi hike: Five hour tour runs 9am -2pm. Viking system requires a certain amount of time between tours (not sure what number they are using).

 

Vigur Island: last tour is 1pm

Included tour: last tour 2:45pm

all other tours have no scheduled departures after Dynjandi tour returns

Thanks. That’s very valuable info for my planning. Of course, there might be different times once our excursions are posted, but I can at least do initial planning based on this. 

[gramfrog]

6 minutes ago, IWantToLiveOverTheSea said:

The rest of us just need patience.  I wish people would be more positive.  It will be fine, and even if it isn't, we'll be cruising again (and earlier than most people), in a wonderful, beautiful country on a fabulous ship.  If I had wanted perfection, I would have booked a 2022 trip or planned a road trip around Iceland.  And even if we're just cruising down a fjord doing nothing, hopefully the scenery will make up for anything that may not be perfect. 

 

-Cheerleader Ruth

 

I like your style ❤️

[Peregrina651]

9 minutes ago, IWantToLiveOverTheSea said:

The rest of us just need patience.  I wish people would be more positive.  It will be fine, and even if it isn't, we'll be cruising again (and earlier than most people), in a wonderful, beautiful country on a fabulous ship.  If I had wanted perfection, I would have booked a 2022 trip or planned a road trip around Iceland.  And even if we're just cruising down a fjord doing nothing, hopefully the scenery will make up for anything that may not be perfect. 

 

-Cheerleader Ruth

 

 

Beautifully stated!

 

 

[USI]

32 minutes ago, Peregrina651 said:

This morning's project.

 

The Dynjandi Falls excursion.

 

 

It is a 50+/- minute bus ride to the hiking trail:

 

The line with the randomly marked yellow dots is the hiking trail:

 

 

 

Just 9 minutes? Only 600m -- less than half a mile from parking lot to Falls? But there you have it. And here is more information about the Dynjandi Falls trail: https://guidetoiceland.is/connect-with-locals/regina/dynjandi-the-jewel-of-the-westfjords

 

 

This looks amazing. Is it possible to have too many waterfalls? Thinking waterfalls seen in Golden Circle then again next port Akureyri. But this looks like a major site. I’m going to probably regrettable skip Vigur Island bc of reports of very choppy water to get out there. Even w preventatives I don’t do well on small boats. 

[IWantToLiveOverTheSea]

36 minutes ago, bardstowntraveller said:

I’ve seen these abbreviated descriptions. I am looking for the more in depth descriptions available once you can book

I used the generic descriptions from the website, i.e., what Peregrina mentioned and gave instructions for finding.  I don't know if there's anything more descriptive.  I don't cruise until August so don't have all the information some of the June people MIGHT have.  But assuming all they have is time slots, cost, and things like that, I think the best way to find out more is book what you think you want, and then ask more questions once you get on board.  We often do our own thing on cruises, but when I have used Viking's onboard excursion folks, I've found them pretty knowledgeable.  Once you're on board, keep track of the cancelation date for any excursions you're unsure so if you want to cancel or switch excursions, you can.  I forget what the policy is.  

 

Often there may be more than one guide, with a lot of latitude, so they may do things "their way."  So while the vendors can likely give a little more info to Viking, in the end you may find something slightly different.  

[IWantToLiveOverTheSea]

2 minutes ago, USI said:

This looks amazing. Is it possible to have too many waterfalls? Thinking waterfalls seen in Golden Circle then again next port Akureyri. But this looks like a major site. I’m going to probably regrettable skip Vigur Island bc of reports of very choppy water to get out there. Even w preventatives I don’t do well on small boats. 

Gullfoss waterfall is a beauty, mostly I guess because it's more horizontal than vertical!

 

[IWantToLiveOverTheSea]

Here are the excursions for Djupivogur as listed on My Viking Journey.  Like what I posted for Reykjavik, Isafjordur, etc. you need to keep in mind that excursions may differ for your particular cruise date.  And if Viking adds new ones, you'll have to look for those.  I don't cruise until August, so I won't necessarily look at MVJ for another month to see what has changed.  But hopefully Peregrina or another poster will update us.

 

Here are Dupivogur excursions as of last night. Heimaey to come.  First one is the included tour. 

Edited May 29, 2021 by IWantToLiveOverTheSea

[IWantToLiveOverTheSea]

Heimaey excursions from MVJ as of last night (May 28).  First one is included tour; second is an optional extension of included tour.  Note that you can only do the extension (Eldfell hike) if you do the included tour.  

 

If you're on a cruise and excursions are now bookable, feel free to post if your excursion reflects something different.

Edited May 29, 2021 by IWantToLiveOverTheSea

[Peregrina651]

Some more thoughts -- in two posts -- about the two tours that were added in Djupivogur:

 

 

It is a two hour bus ride to the lagoon, now way around it.

 

 

From https://guidetoiceland.is/travel-iceland/drive/fjallsarlon:

 

Those who choose to take a boat ride will be provided warm and protective overalls, as well as receive a safety briefing that will further educate you to the surrounding glaciers and their origins.

These tours are undertaken on zodiac boats, meaning that each voyage is personal and fitted to small groups (max. 10 participants). Boat rides on Fjallsárlón will last approximately 45 minutes.

 

There is also a small bistro at Fjallsárlón, perfect for travellers looking to grab some light snacks and refreshments whilst in the area. Guests can pick from a variety of different meal options, including sandwiches, salads, soups, cakes and sweets. In the summer, the bistro is open from 9.30 AM to 06.00 PM, and in the winter, from 10.00 AM to 05.00 PM.  

 

 

Some questions: Does the bistro accept credit card? How long is the stop in Hofn? Is it a bathroom stop?

 

[Australia08]

1 hour ago, Peregrina651 said:

This morning's project.

 

The Dynjandi Falls excursion.

 

 

It is a 50+/- minute bus ride to the hiking trail:

 

The line with the randomly marked yellow dots is the hiking trail:

 

 

 

Just 9 minutes? Only 600m -- less than half a mile from parking lot to Falls? But there you have it. And here is more information about the Dynjandi Falls trail: https://guidetoiceland.is/connect-with-locals/regina/dynjandi-the-jewel-of-the-westfjords

 

 

Could you also post the price and description of the Ice Lagoon tour out of Djupivogur?  Thanks

[Peregrina651]

3 minutes ago, Australia08 said:

Could you also post the price and description of the Ice Lagoon tour out of Djupivogur?  Thanks

 

JINX!

[Peregrina651]

 

I don't have much to add to the description. The villages mentioned don't show up on Google. The name of the sculpture where the tour begins is Eggin i Gledivik. I'm pretty sure that a Viking rep will escort the group to the tour's starting point.

 

 

[StuLaurie]

Good/Bad news today.... the weather here is miserable. 45 and windy with rain. Obviously not the best weather for the holiday weekend but

as I looked outside I thought to myself this is probable what the weather will be on the worst day in Iceland. Especially when we are either on the water or getting close to waterfalls. So what did I do.... I put on exactly what I am planning on packing for Iceland and went outside. Kinda looked like an idiot just standing outside in the rain but whatever🤣.  I then called my daughter and had her do the same. Bad news is I was really cold. I was planning on a t shirt with a sweater and then my pull over rain/windbreaker but it is obvious I will need one more layer. Same for my daughter and we decided that gloves are a must. It was such a good experiment I would highly suggest everyone doing it. 

[MarkTapley]

2 minutes ago, StuLaurie said:

Good/Bad news today.... the weather here is miserable. 45 and windy with rain. Obviously not the best weather for the holiday weekend but

as I looked outside I thought to myself this is probable what the weather will be on the worst day in Iceland. Especially when we are either on the water or getting close to waterfalls. So what did I do.... I put on exactly what I am planning on packing for Iceland and went outside. Kinda looked like an idiot just standing outside in the rain but whatever🤣.  I then called my daughter and had her do the same. Bad news is I was really cold. I was planning on a t shirt with a sweater and then my pull over rain/windbreaker but it is obvious I will need one more layer. Same for my daughter and we decided that gloves are a must. It was such a good experiment I would highly suggest everyone doing it. 

Great suggestion!  Actually did this yesterday, in the exact same weather.  Went to the Cub game at Wrigley Field.  Sat in the upper deck, with my two sons. The walk to the park and home was great, but sitting three hours while the wind was whipping off the lake into our faces was brutal.  But fortunately, the W flag was waving at the end.

[SkystheLimit]

6 minutes ago, StuLaurie said:

Good/Bad news today.... the weather here is miserable. 45 and windy with rain. Obviously not the best weather for the holiday weekend but

as I looked outside I thought to myself this is probable what the weather will be on the worst day in Iceland. Especially when we are either on the water or getting close to waterfalls. So what did I do.... I put on exactly what I am planning on packing for Iceland and went outside. Kinda looked like an idiot just standing outside in the rain but whatever🤣.  I then called my daughter and had her do the same. Bad news is I was really cold. I was planning on a t shirt with a sweater and then my pull over rain/windbreaker but it is obvious I will need one more layer. Same for my daughter and we decided that gloves are a must. It was such a good experiment I would highly suggest everyone doing it. 

We will be happy to follow your suggestions rather than do our own experiment! Thank you.

 

[TayanaLorna]

11 minutes ago, Peregrina651 said:

 

I don't have much to add to the description. The villages mentioned don't show up on Google. The name of the sculpture where the tour begins is Eggin i Gledivik. I'm pretty sure that a Viking rep will escort the group to the tour's starting point.

 

 

We tried to find this on Google Maps and Earth.  Found the eggs and a cluster of buildings outside of town which could be the two villages mentioned.  Found Halsar and it is a mountain range not a peak.  Can't really tell where this hike goes.

[Australia08]

50 minutes ago, Peregrina651 said:

Some more thoughts -- in two posts -- about the two tours that were added in Djupivogur:

 

 

It is a two hour bus ride to the lagoon, now way around it.

 

 

From https://guidetoiceland.is/travel-iceland/drive/fjallsarlon:

 

 

 

There is also a small bistro at Fjallsárlón, perfect for travellers looking to grab some light snacks and refreshments whilst in the area. Guests can pick from a variety of different meal options, including sandwiches, salads, soups, cakes and sweets. In the summer, the bistro is open from 9.30 AM to 06.00 PM, and in the winter, from 10.00 AM to 05.00 PM.  

 

 

Some questions: Does the bistro accept credit card? How long is the stop in Hofn? Is it a bathroom stop?

 

 

Good questions, but as I read the description, a light lunch is included in the tour price.

[SantaFe1]

18 minutes ago, StuLaurie said:

. I put on exactly what I am planning on packing for Iceland and went outside. Kinda looked like an idiot just standing outside in the rain but whatever🤣

Great idea,  but it is sunny and 83 here today.  But I could try out clothes for those going on the welcome back Bermuda trip!

[TayanaLorna]

17 minutes ago, StuLaurie said:

Good/Bad news today.... the weather here is miserable. 45 and windy with rain. Obviously not the best weather for the holiday weekend but

as I looked outside I thought to myself this is probable what the weather will be on the worst day in Iceland. Especially when we are either on the water or getting close to waterfalls. So what did I do.... I put on exactly what I am planning on packing for Iceland and went outside. Kinda looked like an idiot just standing outside in the rain but whatever🤣.  I then called my daughter and had her do the same. Bad news is I was really cold. I was planning on a t shirt with a sweater and then my pull over rain/windbreaker but it is obvious I will need one more layer. Same for my daughter and we decided that gloves are a must. It was such a good experiment I would highly suggest everyone doing it. 

Good for you!  You can always take a layer off and leave it in the bus.  But who wants to STAY in the bus if they don't dress for the conditions.

[Peregrina651]

17 minutes ago, Australia08 said:

 

Good questions, but as I read the description, a light lunch is included in the tour price.

 

 

HOT CHOCOLATE!  HOT COFFEE!

[Australia08]

5 minutes ago, Peregrina651 said:

 

 

HOT CHOCOLATE!  HOT COFFEE!

Not sure what you mean?  The description says, "Return to shore and after a light lunch . . . "     Of course, perhaps you mean that in Iceland a light lunch means hot chocolate or a hot coffee??

[Peregrina651]

37 minutes ago, StuLaurie said:

Good/Bad news today.... the weather here is miserable. 45 and windy with rain. Obviously not the best weather for the holiday weekend but

as I looked outside I thought to myself this is probable what the weather will be on the worst day in Iceland. Especially when we are either on the water or getting close to waterfalls. So what did I do.... I put on exactly what I am planning on packing for Iceland and went outside. Kinda looked like an idiot just standing outside in the rain but whatever🤣.  I then called my daughter and had her do the same. Bad news is I was really cold. I was planning on a t shirt with a sweater and then my pull over rain/windbreaker but it is obvious I will need one more layer. Same for my daughter and we decided that gloves are a must. It was such a good experiment I would highly suggest everyone doing it. 

 

Great idea. I just turned the heat on. After lunch, I will run another trial of your experiment!

[Peregrina651]

12 minutes ago, Australia08 said:

Not sure what you mean?  The description says, "Return to shore and after a light lunch . . . "     Of course, perhaps you mean that in Iceland a light lunch means hot chocolate or a hot coffee??

 

There are always people who want to stop and get a hot beverage -- if there is time and if they will let us -- even if lunch is being served.

 

 

[Clay Clayton]

Delta did their usual flight changes again....if you’re on the July 17th flight from KEF to JFK, it’s now leaving 25 minutes earlier than originally scheduled 😢.