About Laurence Koster Expertise I can answer questions about Iceland - travelling in Iceland, going on holiday to Iceland, living in Iceland, Icelandic language, food, literature and films.
Expert: Laurence Koster Date: 9/17/2007 Subject: Backpacking in Iceland in October
Question Hi Laurence
I am currently living and working in Bristol. I have a midterm break from 20 to 28 October and would love to backpack in Iceland as I am very interested in seeing all the natural wonders of the country. I will be travelling on my own and will not be able to hire a car. Will I be able to rely on busses to get around? I will have to start and end my journey in Reykjavik .
I would like to see as much as possible during my stay, the The Blue Lagoon, Reykjanes; Golden Falls (Gullfoss); The Great Geysir and as much of Myvatn as possible.
I would also love to see the Northern lights, wold this be possible?
What do you advise? (my main concern is getting around using public transport)
Kind regards
Tanya Jansen
Answer Hello Tanya,
There are fewer bus routes in winter, and the winter timetable kicks in on 15th September.
But don't panic! All the destinations you mention are accessible by public transport in winter.
The Blue Lagoon is situated between the airport and Reykjavík. Some of the airport busses stop there. The Reykjanes peninsular is also this corner of Iceland. The international airport is actually in a place called Keflavík, whereas domestic flights depart from the centre of Reykjavík.
Gullfoss and Geysir are both on the classic "Golden Circle" tour (8 hour tour), which means you can see both on a day trip from Reykjavík.
Mývatn is in the north of Iceland, nearer to Akureyri. To get there you either take a bus or fly from Reykjavík to Akureyri (45 min flight), and then take a bus tour from there (8 hour tour).
The Northern Lights tour (1½ - 2 hours) runs every evening from 1st October. Whether or not you see them depends on luck and weather (it has to be cold and still). This is also on the http://www.re.is/ website.
By the way, if you're looking for a cheap place to stay in Reykjavík, try the Salvation Army Guesthouse (http://www.herinn.is/herinnis/Gistiheimilid/English/) for youth hostel type accommodation which, unlike the official youth hostel, is right in the city centre).
When you arrive at the airport, the Fly-bus takes you to your accommodation in Reykjavík. The way this works is that the coach first goes to one of the big hotels, and then they transfer you to minibusses to go to other hotels.
Have a great time! Please get in touch if you have more questions.
