The weather is a constant concern in Iceland, a moss covered mountain one day is a snow covered one the next. So much of Iceland’s appeal as a destination is the untamed nature and this also becomes a reason why a couple of backup plans are defiantly in order.
Offline Maps
If you don’t pay for cell service in Iceland and you don’t get the GPS in a rental car then downloading an offline maps application can be a lifesaver. A road that you drove down on the way to a location can be closed off on the way back with less than helpful detour signage.
Excursions
We had an excursion cancelled and overheard others on our trip complaining about their cancellations as well. A solid do-it-yourself backup plan might keep you from spending a day in the hotel room bummed about what might have been. We ended up doing an adhoc Golden Circle driving tour and visited some of the places that didn’t make the cut when we had to make the final call on what we had time for and what we didn’t. We visited a hydroelectric power station and learned that Iceland’s power grid is 100% hydro, geothermal, and wind powered. We stopped at Efstidalur Dairy Farm for ice cream that is made onsite. We even found an off the beaten path lookout to take pictures of the Þingvallavatn lake.
Clothing
Iceland’s climate during our trip looked like it would stay between about 32 and 45 degrees Fahrenheit but a number of variables contributed to some pretty drastic shifts. The wind is a constant contributor with altitude and pop-up showers also playing havoc. Like most cold places, layers are they key and in Iceland you can’t go wrong packing a set of waterproof boots, a waterproof outer shell, sunglasses, a hooded jacket, gloves, and face protection.