Anyone been to (or live in) Iceland?

[Rabbit of Caerbannog]

I'm jonesing for some midnight sun and a dip in volcanic hot springs. Anyone ever been there? Any advice on bringing a VERY ACTIVE 5-year old?

[histohoney]

1. A young

man (Freshman in college) I know went at spring break and LOVED it. Everyone was very nice to the kids (went with 3 friends, did the hostel route), most people spoke English but did appreciate the boys trying to speak Icelandic. They rented a car, went everywhere had a blast.

As for traveling with your child, I'd talk to a travel agent or maybe write their embassy?
P.S. Just a note from Tom, do NOT get the puffin, he said it was pretty bad.
I hope you get to go,I've dreamed of going for about 10 yrs.:hi:

[Rabbit of Caerbannog]

2. Thanks. I was reading about

some of their "delicacies" like pickled meat and "rotten shark" - but I couldn't bring myself to eat a puffin. They're too cute.

[TNDemo]

3. My daughter and niece went two years ago.

It was VERY expensive. Everything is shipped in. Even the hostels were really high. They brought a tent to camp but got wet so nixed that. They ended up renting a car and sleeping in it. Otherwise they enjoyed themselves.

[jbane]

4. I was in Iceland last summer.

A couple of things that are good to know.
1. It is very expensive. A cheeseburger will cost about 12.00
2. It never gets above 57 degrees and it can be quite windy.
3. Reykjavik is a really nice little city. You can find your way around very easily even with the totally unpronouncable names.
4. Reykjavik has great coffee shops.
5. Go to the Blue Lagoon and the huge Lutheran Cathedral that you can see from miles around Reykjavik. Take the elevator to the top of the cathedral and get some shots of the multi-color rooftops of Reykjavik. Give the pictures as Christmas gifts, everyone loves the shots I got.
6. Pack for rain and wind, you'll get both almost every day.
7. Save some $ by eating Icelandic hot dogs (no kidding) for lunch.
They are pretty good and not that expensive.
8. There is a flea market on Saturday and Sunday in Reykjavik down where the large ships are docked. It's worth a visit.
9. Everyone under 40 speaks English but no signs are posted in English.
10. I spent allmost all my time in Reykjavik but I did a little traveling away from the capital. Once your out of town you are in the middle of nowhere. Make sure you have enough gas in the car.
I hope you enjoy your trip. Iceland is a great country, not for everyone but I loved it.