How To: Recreate the Awesome (but Potentially Creepy) Icelandair Buddy Program
-
Adventure
-
Culture
-
Food
-
Health
-
Lifestyle
-
Nature
Pool at ION Luxury Adventure Hotel/Oyster
Icelandair has just debuted a new program it's calling the “Stopover Buddy” which pairs travelers with Icelandair employees for a day in Iceland before they head off to their final destinations. It allows travelers to choose a category they are most interested in, and then have a "buddy" who shares the same interest take them on a well-suited day trip. The program will likely be popular and buddies will book up quickly, so if you miss the chance to be paired with one of their buddies (or you'd rather not explore with a stranger) -- you can be your own best friend! Here's how to recreate the program solo, no matter which of the six categories you would choose.
rageout/Flickr
If you’re an adventure buff like Icelandair CEO Birkir Holm Gudnason, you’ll love exploring Iceland. Hike a glacier, try your luck at paragliding, or go snorkeling in a fissure.
The Silfra fissure separates two continental plates between the North American and Eurasian continents. As you snorkel through( wearing a thick dry suit that keeps the 35-degree water from touching your body), you’ll have incredible views in water that’s almost crystal-clear, with 100-meter visibility.
Vestman/Flickr
The Blue Lagoon is definitely one of the most popular attractions in Iceland, but if you’re looking for something a little more local and a little more low-key, check out Arbaejarlaug, a local indoor/outdoor pool in Reykjavik that has three hot tubs, a steam bath, and a sauna, as well as a children’s area. It costs 900 kr for admission.
Sidney SL Lam/Flickr
The food in Iceland -- fish, more fish, and fish and chips -- can feel a bit repetitive at times, but there are a handful of restaurants in Reykjavik doing some really creative things with local foods to present them in new and delicious ways.
Dill, a Nordic fusion restaurant that serves impressive seven-course tastings with a rotating menu, is great for a splurge. Make reservations in advance, as this small restaurant is quite popular. It is closed Sunday through Tuesday.
Eager to try fermented shark and classic Icelandic dishes like horse, whale, and puffin? Stop by 3 Frakkar, a busy restaurant in Reykjavik. Don’t worry; this busy place also serves dishes like tuna and salmon.
Stig Nygaard/[Flickr](Stig Nygaard)
From river rafting to diving, mountain biking to skiing, there is no shortage of outdoor activities to get your heart rate up in Iceland.
During the winter, try something unique and book a dogsledding tour. There are many companies that organize this activity;Extreme Iceland is a service which offers the chance to dogsled on a glacier for less than $150.
In the summer, book a volcano biking tour.
Ron Kroetz/Flickr
Horses have played an integral role in Icelandic life for centuries. Take an afternoon or a few days to trek with Icelandic ponies through Iceland's stunning landscape and past several volcanoes. Eldhestar offers afternoon or multi-day tours starting at around $90.
Guilhem Vellut/Flickr
Don't miss the chance to revel in the wonder of Iceland's many waterfalls. Among the most famous (and most beautiful) is Seljalandsfoss. It's also the only known waterfall in the country that you're able to walk behind, which makes for stunning photos. Just be careful, as it tends to get slippery in the summer, and icy in the winter.
This gem is located along Ring Road, Iceland's main highway. Many tours heading south will stop here for a few photos, but you can also take it in for yourself if you rent a car.
Related Links: