Iceland is pretty famous for equal rights, LGBTQA support, and gay history. It is the land of waterfalls, rainbows, and elves after all. There haven’t been any unicorn sightings, but there’s plenty of stunningly beautiful regular horses. Lonely planet has even deemed it one of the most gay-friendly travel destinations in the world. Reykjavik has been celebrating […] The post Camping Out Reykjavik Pride appeared first on Happy Campers ..read more

The first Monday of August is a public holiday here in Iceland, known as Commerce Day (a.k.a Tradesmen’s Day or Merchant’s Holiday). In Icelandic, it is called Fridagur verslunarmanna. Icelanders get really excited about this holiday. Since it always falls on Monday, it means you get a long weekend off, and it is not unusual […] The post Commerce Day in Iceland: Unofficial Camping Holiday appeared first on Happy Campers ..read more

Walk through the heart of Reykjavik, and you’re bound to hear a tourist complaining about the high price tag that comes with staying in the city. I feel you. But there are fun and affordable options that open up Iceland to your doorstep. Camping in Iceland untethers you from conventional accommodations, saves a bundle, and provides unparalleled experiences like waking up to fjords and waterfalls at your door. And in Iceland, you can legally camp for free. Sort of. Wild Camping in Iceland As a general rule, you can set up a tent for one night on any uncultivated public land for free and start&n ..read more

For many campers, upon arriving in Iceland, a grocery store is the first stop after picking up their Happy Camper. Campervan travel in Iceland allows for ultimate flexibility and allows you to cook your meals on the road. All campers have a small kitchen setup with a fridge, sink, gas stove, pans, pots, plates, and utensils. It means you don’t need to eat only gas station sandwiches and granola bars throughout your trip, and you can save money by not having to find a restaurant every day for dinner. In this blog post, we will guide you through the main grocery stores in Iceland and the best sh ..read more

Snaefellsnes peninsula is one of the most popular detours from the Ring Road. There is a good reason why—it is full of natural wonders and is often referred to as a mini-Iceland. From the majestic Snaefellsjökull Glacier to the mystical Kirkjufell Mountain, every twist and turn uncovers another jaw-dropping attraction. So, with all-year-open campsites and breathtaking sights like volcanic craters, black sand beaches, and charming fishing villages, you don’t want to skip visiting Snaefellsnes National Park on your trip to Iceland. Happy Camper meeting Bárður Snaefellsás – the guardian of Snaefe ..read more

Iceland has two distinct seasons – summer and winter (also known as high season and low season). Depending on when you travel, you will have very different experiences. But what about the shoulder seasons? October/April fall in between seasons, which, for some people, might be the best time to visit Iceland. Why? If you visit Iceland in April, you can get the best of both seasons!  Don’t believe us? In this blog post, we’ll give you eight compelling reasons why you should visit Iceland in April. From lower prices to the opportunity to witness the stunning Northern Lights while having enou ..read more

You’ve got your tickets booked, dusted off suitcases, and downloaded a packing list so you won’t forget anything. Well, don’t forget your smartphone. A handful of apps and websites are essential to all travelers (and even locals). I compiled a list of essential apps for traveling around Iceland safely and saving you time and money. We will also cover some helpful but not crucial resources so you can make the most out of your upcoming trip.  Essential Apps & Websites Google Maps Make sure to have at least one reliable navigation app. Google Maps is a market leader, time and time, has ..read more

A volcanic eruption started on Sunday, January 14, near Grindavík on the Reykjanes Peninsula. The town had previously been evacuated, and people were not in danger. Key Takeaways: There is a volcanic eruption near the town of Grindavík on the Reykjanes Peninsula. The eruption’s effects are confined to the town and the immediate area surrounding the eruption site. All services in Iceland are operating normally. Flights to and from Iceland are operating on schedule, and disruption to flight traffic is considered highly unlikely. Image from the Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Manag ..read more

The red dot indicates the location of the town Grindavík. Scientists at the Icelandic Meteorological Office have been observing increased seismic activity on the Reykjanes Peninsula that started on October 24th. There are strong indicators of a looming eruption in an area close to the town of Grindavík. The increasing likelihood of a volcanic eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula has prompted the precautionary evacuation of the town of Grindavík to ensure the safety of the residents. The National Police Commissioner of Iceland raised the Civil Protection Service Level from Alert to Emergency on ..read more

One of the first things I consider while traveling abroad is food. Having many dietary restrictions has made certain countries difficult to travel to, Yet other countries can have a multitude of options. Eating gluten-free in Iceland had a couple of challenges, but nothing that should deter someone from visiting! Thankfully, gluten-free options ARE increasing in countries around the world. Not only are there more options, but they also taste a LOT better. Does anyone remember back in 2012 when the majority of gluten-free breads tasted like cardboard? Y-U-C-K! Knowing some restaurants and store ..read more