Month: May 2018

Blog 1

Probably the hardest question to answer, for the simplest reason – Iceland is worth your time all-year round.

As you might have heard it already, no one comes to Iceland only once. Maybe it’s the locals, maybe it’s the culture, but something about Iceland makes people coming back for more.  And as every season offers a unique experience and incredible sights specific for a single season, it is hard to find a reason not to come back again.

However, if you are looking into booking your first ever trip to Iceland and want to see as much as you possible can go with March/April, in Iceland known as – spring!

Here are our 7 reasons why:

1.) Weather

Winters in Iceland are usually cold, windy and full of snow – truly a winter wonderland.

Spring, on the other hand, is the time when you can feel the nature waking up! The spring flowers are slowly showing themselves, trees are putting on new “leaf-dresses” and the weather is definitely picking up.

This is all thanks to the Gulf Stream bringing in the warm winds from the Gulf of Mexico and making Iceland surprisingly warm. However the presence of glaciers, reflecting the sunlight back into the atmosphere, cools down the surrounding land which gives for an unpredictable weather. This is when the Icelandic saying “If you don’t like the weather, just wait 5 minutes” will come in quite handy.

But this is all a part of the Icelandic charm as you will be able to take photos of snowy mountain tops with the Sun shining over the landscape. You will get to see all of the Icelandic weather, easily.

2.) Animals

When the national TV shows loa sighting, it means the spring is upon us and you will soon be able to enjoy the wildlife.

Throughout the year, one can easily spot the most common domesticated animals: sheep, horses and cats.
Icelandic sheep are let go to wander throughout the summer months. This makes for delicious meat and extremely high quality wool that the locals use to make the ever-popular lopapeysa – Icelandic traditional woolen sweater.

Icelandic horses are world-renowned as well – partially because of their pony-size but mainly because they have 5 gaits.Make sure to try tölt if you decide to take a horse-riding tour during your visit.

Wildlife, though scarce, is incredible as anywhere else. If you like spending your time outdoor, and you are feeling lucky, you might spot an arctic fox – the only land mammal native to Iceland. This might be a good time for you to travel all around our little island, in which case, when you find yourself in the eastern part you might see a reindeer (there are only 3000 of those in the whole country).
If you prefer sea creatures, you can always book a tour and go whale-watching, just in the vicinity of the capital Reykjavik or take your chances and visit some of the popular places to see the seals, like Ytri Tunga in Snæfellsnes.

3.) Long(er) days

Not only is the nature waking up, but in the spring you are blessed with longer daylight allowing you to enjoy it the best way possible. As we go from 4h of daylight in winter to 16h of daylight in spring, it is the most normal you will get when it comes to the “normal day”. This can be important if you have difficulties sleeping/staying awake as both problems are persistent among locals during summer/winter.

4.) First day of summer

The first day of Harpa – seventh month in the old Norse calendar – signifies the beginning of summer. Albeit, that same calendar divided the year in only 2 seasons:  dark winter and light summer. For Icelanders, this is a public holiday that people spend enjoying various outdoor activities: mainly heading out for an ice-cream (preferably in summer clothes) or embracing the “grilling weather”.

That’s right – we do love our summers and although the temperatures are far from those typical in the summer, nothing can stop us from celebrating this season. Even the fact it’s still not summer.

5.) “Shoulder season” = cheaper season

Off-season in Iceland basically brings together the best out of both worlds; on one hand the landscape is still covered in snow, ice is nicely fitting all the famous waterfalls, less tourists are blocking your view or filling up your hostel room; on the other hand the temperatures are higher, the days are longer and the weather generally better. But let us elaborate on 2 important things there.

To describe tourism in Iceland as booming might as well be an understatement as the country has been seeing the annual increase in the number of tourists between 15 and 25%. Just last year we have welcomed around 5 times more tourists than there are locals and although Iceland is magical, there are certain struggles in dealing with this rapid growth on which we can’t use our magic wand. The biggest increase is visible in the summer months, as well as around the Christmas holidays.

Longer days also mean more time to spend looking around exploring the country. This time might be the best to do day trips to slightly remote places like Jökullsarlón/Glacier Lagoon. Though the weather might not be permitting to do the most famous Icelandic hikes, Skaftafell National Park offers a couple of short hikes, most popular being the one to the beautiful Svartifoss (“Black Falls”).

On top of that, during spring it’s easier to find accommodation which is, also, significantly cheaper. The same goes for the flight tickets that supposedly drop up to 20%.

6.) Loneliness

Visiting this quite isolated island in the North for some is not enough so they venture further in search for some peace of mind. You should know that around 2/3 of the total population live in Greater Reykjavik Area and if there are not many tourists visiting, the rest of the island is scarcely populated giving you ample space for your personal journey.

7.) Why not?

Everyone starts their year by making their New Year’s Resolutions which usually include: more traveling and more exercise. Why not start the new year by a visit to “The Land of Ice and Fire”, where you can find both and much, much more?

by admin

Blog 2

The new bus stops. Source: reykjavik.is

Due to recent changes by Reykjavik City, we at Gateway to Iceland have had to review our pick up places and have made some changes. As always pick ups are included in the tour prices and are provided from designated bus stops, hotels, hostels and guesthouses in Reykjavik.

Because of new restrictions regarding driving/parking in downtown Reykjavík, we now pick up from designated bus stops or ask you to meet us at a nearby hotel where we can pick you up. Find your accommodation from the drop-down list on the booking form. If it says “meet us at… “, please meet us at that specified pickup location. If it does NOT say “meet us at…”, we will pick you up directly from the accommodation that you selected. If your accommodation is not listed at all (air BnB, private addresses, etc.), please e-mail us at info@gtice.is, and we‘ll figure out the best pickup location for you.

Pick up places

If your accommodation is listed below, please meet us at the designated bus stop:

Bus stop 2 – Safnahúsið / The Culture House on the corner of Ingólfsstræti and Hverfisgata (near to Þjóðleikhúsið theater) for:

• 101 Hotel
• Apartment K, Hverfisgata 14
• Apartment K, Þingholtsstræti 2-4
• Apartment K, Ingólfsstræti 1a
• Centerhotel Þingholt
• Loft Hostel

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Bus stop 13 – Traðarkot (parking house) on Hverfisgata 20 for:

• 41 – A Townhouse Hotel
• Canopy
• Centerhotel Klöpp
• Centerhotel Skjaldbreið
• Frón Hotel
• Island Apartments
• Reykjavik Residence Hotel
• Reykjavik Residence Suites
• Room with a View

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Bus stop 10 – Hlemmur (by Hlemmur Square hostel) on Laugavegur 105 for:

• 100 Iceland Hotel
• 101 Guesthouse
• 4th Floor Hotel
• Heida‘s Home
• Hlemmur Square
• Hotel Alda
• Hotel Skuggi
• OK Hotel
• Reykjavik4you apartments
• Stay apartments, Laugavegur 139
• Hotel Phoenix
• Aurora Apartments, Hverfisgata 78

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Additionally, as it can be hard or even impossible to stop in front of some hotels in the city center, we kindly ask guests from the following places to meet us at the suggested pick up places:

Apótek Hotel – Please meet us at Kvosin hotel on Kirkjutorg 4
Hotel Borg – Please meet us at Kvosin hotel on Kirkjutorg 4
City Center hotel – Please meet us at Centerhotel Plaza on Aðalstræti 4

Further information on pickups

Please note we do NOT pick up from neighboring towns such as Hafnarfjörður, Kópavogur, Seltjarnarnes, Garðabær, Mosfellsbær, and others. This is due to the driving time to these locations, guides would not be able to complete the pick ups within the given time frame. If you are staying there, we kindly ask you to get to downtown Reykjavik by yourself and meet us e.g. at BSI bus station.

If you need a help to find the closest hotel to your private accommodation, do not hesitate to contact us. Please be ready outside the hotel or in a lobby. If there is no lobby, please be ready outside the building from the beginning of the pickup time.

Pick-up times are given in the tours’ descriptions and generally take 30 minutes (up to 45 minutes for the Northern Lights tours). However, due to traffic conditions or having to locate clients, pickups may take longer but will be made.

Please make sure you do not board another company’s van or coach. Some do not check your voucher, and if you are not at the designated pickup location, we must not delay other customers.

Drop-offs are provided at the same places as pickups unless otherwise arranged with the driver/guides.

by admin

Blog 3

Following the recent ban of bus traffic in the downtown area, the City of Reykjavik has decided to expand on it.

The Downtown area will now feature twelve designated bus stops, all located at the edges of the ban zone. City council estimates that “80% of accommodation within the affected area are within 200 meters from the closest [bus stop]”.

Pick up places

If your accommodation is listed below, please meet us at the designated bus stop:

Bus stop 1 – Ráðhúsið – City Hall

Chez Monique
Embassy Luxury Apartments
Hotel Reykjavík Centrum
Kvosin Hotel

Bus stop 2 – Tjörnin – The Pond

Ambassade Apartments
Castle House Luxury Apartments
Central Guesthouse
Luna Hotel Apartments – Laufásvegi 6
Luna Hotel Apartments – Spítalastígur 1

Bus stop 3 – Lækjargata

1912 Guesthouse
Apotek Hotel
Centric Guesthouse
Hotel Borg

Bus stop 4 – Tryggvagata

3 Sisters Guesthouse
Black Pearl
Central Apartments
Centerhotel Plaza
City Center Hotel
Gallery Central Guesthouse
Guesthouse Álfhóll
Guesthouse Butterfly
Hotel Hilda
Hotel Metropolitan
House Of Spirits
Konsulat Hotel
Ocean Comfort Apartments
Lighthouse Apartments
Planet Apartments
Radisson Blu Hotel 1919
Reykjavik Downtown Hostel

Bus stop 5 – Harpa

Centerhotel Arnarhvoll

Bus stop 6 – Safnahúsið – The Culture House

101 Hótel
Apartment K – Hverfisgata 14
Apartment K – Ingólfsstræti 1a
Apartment K – Skólastræti 1
Apartment K – Þingholtsstræti 2-4
Centerhotel Þingholt
Loft Hostel
Luna Hotel Apartments – Amtmannsstígur 5

Bus stop 7 – Traðarkot

101 Skuggi Guesthouse
41 – A Townhouse Hotel
Apartment 37
Apartment K – Bergstaðastræti 3
Apartment K – Bergstaðastræti 12
Apartment K – Hvergisgata 37
Apartment K – Laugavegur 46
Apartment K – Lindargata 60
Apartments Aurora
Black Tower
Canopy Reykjavík | City Centre
Centerhotel Klöpp
Centerhotel Skjaldbreið
Domus Guesthouse
Guesthouse Óðinn
Guesthouse Thor
Guesthouse Turninn
Gray Tower
Hótel Frón
Ísland Apartments
Ion City Hotel
Old Charm Reykjavik Apartments
Reykjavik Residence Hotel
Reykjavik Residence Suites
Room With A View
Rey Apartments
Reykjavik4you Apartments – Bergstaðastræti 12
Sandhotel
The Swan House Reykjavik Apartments

Bus stop 8 – Hallgrímskirkja

Eric The Red Guesthouse
Forsæla Apartments
Gest Inn
Guesthouse Aurora
Hostel B47
Hotel Leifur Eiríksson
Hotel Óðinsvé
Inga’s New Guest Apartments
Loki 101 Guesthouse
Mengi Apartments
Our House Guesthouse
SUNNA Guesthouse
Villa Guesthouse

Bus stop 9 – Snorrabraut

Aurora Apartments, Hverfisgata 78
Skuggi hotel

Bus stop 10 – Hlemmur

100 Iceland Hotel
101 Guesthouse
4th Floor Hotel
Alda Hotel Reykjavik
Alfred´s Apartments
Alfred´s Studios
Apartment K – Laugavegur 74
Apartment K – Laugavegur 85-86
Centerhotel Miðgarður
City Comfort Apartments
Guesthouse Von
Heida´s Home
Hlemmur Apartments
Hlemmur Square
OK Hotel
Reykjavik4you Apartments – Laugavegi 85

Bus stop 11 – Austurbær

Grettisborg Apartments
Guesthouse Reykjavik 101
Guesthouse Snorri
Reykjavik Hostel Village
Stay Apartments Grettisgata

Bus stop 12 – Höfðatorg

Storm Hotel
Fosshótel Reykjavík

BSÍ

27Soley
Hótel Holt
Guesthouse Anna
Guesthouse Baldursbrá – Laufásvegur 41
Guesthouse Baldursbrá – Tjarnargata 46
Guesthouse Galtafell
Guesthouse Lena
Travel Inn

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Direct pickup (Reykjavík)

22 Hill Hotel – Brautarholt 22-24
Arctic Comfort Hótel – Síðumúli 19
B14 Hostel – Faxafen 11
BB 44 Guesthouse – Nýbýlavegur 16
Bike Cave – Einarsnes 36
Brim Hotel – Skipholt 27
Bus Hostel – Skógarhlíð 10
Cabin Hótel – Borgartún 32
Capital Inn – Suðurhlíð 35d
City Park Hotel – Ármúli 5
Downtown Reykjavik Apartments – Rauðarárstígur 31
Eyja Guldsmeden Hotel – Brautarholt 10-14
Fosshótel Barón – Barónstígur 2-4
Fosshótel Lind – Rauðarárstígur 18
Fosshótel Rauðará – Rauðarárstígur 37
Galaxy Pod Hostel – Laugavegur 172
Garðs Apótek, Sogavegur 108
Glæsibær bus stop
Grand Hótel Reykjavík – Sigtún 38
Grímur Hotel – Efstaland 26
Guesthouse Pávi – Brautarholt 4
Harbor – Miðbakki
Harbor – Skarfabakki
Harbor – Sundabakki
Hilton Reykjavík Nordica – Suðurlandsbraut 2
Hótel Ísland – Ármúli 9
Hótel Lotus – Álftamýri 7
Hótel Örkin – Brautarholt 29
Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Marina
Icelandair Hótel Reykjavík Natura
Kerno Apartments – Hringbraut 79
KEX Hostel – Skúlagata 28
Klettur Hótel – Mjölnisholt 12-14
Kringlan shopping mall (Orkan gas station on Miklabraut)
Lækur Hostel – Laugarnesvegur 74a
Mjódd bus station
N1 gas station- Ægisiða 102
Northern Comfort Apartments – Skipholti 15
Norðurey Hotel City Garden – Hrísateigur 14
Oddsson Hostel – Hringbraut 121
Radisson Blu Hótel Saga
REKinn – Skipholt 15
Reykjavik City Hostel – Sundlaugavegur 34
Reykjavik Domestic Airport (Reykjavíkurflugvöllur) – Þorragata 10
Reykjavik Lights Hotel – Suðurlandsbraut 12
Skeljungur gas station – Kleppsvegur 104
Stay Apartments Bolholt – Bolholt 6
Stay Apartments Einholt – Einholt 2
Summerday Guesthouse – Grensásvegur 24

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Direct pickup (other)

Blue House B&B Iceland – Valhúsabraut 19, Seltjarnarnes
Eiðistorg square, Seltjarnarnes
First Hotel – Hlíðasmári 5, Kópavogur
Hamraborg square, Kópavogur
Hotel Smári – Hlíðasmári 13, Kópavogur
Hotel Vellir – Tjarnarvellir 3, Hafnarfjörður
Hotel Viking – Strandgata, Hafnarfjörður
Norðurey Hotel Reykjavik Road – Reykjavikurvegur 72, Hafnarfjörður

General information on pickups

If you need help to find the closest hotel to your private accommodation, do not hesitate to contact us. Please be ready outside the hotel or in the lobby. If there is no lobby, please be ready outside the building from the beginning of the pickup time.

Pick-up times are given in the tours’ descriptions and generally take 30 minutes (up to 45 minutes for the Northern Lights tours). However, due to traffic conditions or having to locate guests, pickups may take longer.

Please make sure you do not board another company’s van or coach. Some do not check your voucher, and if you are not at the designated pickup location, we must not delay other guests.

Drop-offs are provided at the same places as pickups unless otherwise arranged with the driver/guides.

by admin