2026 Olfus Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in January)

#JulyGoodPlace2025 ✓Raufarhólshellir When you come to Iceland, you must take part in the polar tour: The Lava Tunnel! Explore Iceland's second largest lava tunnel, "Raufarhólshellir", which is one of the longest and most famous lava tunnels in Iceland. It is only a 30-minute drive from Reykjavik and can be easily reached all year round. There are three tour options: 1. Standard Lava Tunnel Tour Time: 1 hour Cost: 8,400 ISK Itinerary: A relaxing and enjoyable exploration of the tunnel, with a footbridge built into the cave and impressive lighting that highlights the changing colors and clearly shows the intense volcanic activity that formed the tunnel. 2. Standard Tour (with Transportation) Time: 3 hours Cost: 13,900 ISK Itinerary: A standard tour with round-trip bus transfers from Reykjavik, allowing you to explore the tunnel in a relaxed and enjoyable manner. 3. Lava Falls Adventure Tour Duration: 3-4 hours Cost: 25,900 Icelandic Krona Itinerary: Get off the beaten path and go deep into the lava tunnel to explore the source of the cave - the magnificent lava falls. This adventure requires good physical fitness and balance, relying on experienced guides and headlamps to explore this wonder.

Chasing the aurora borealis in Iceland is a dreamlike experience. To successfully see the aurora, you need the right time, place, and luck. This guide will outline the key points and provide a practical checklist for aurora viewing. 1. 🌌 Aurora Season and Best Time First, choosing the right season and time is fundamental to success. · Aurora Season: Mid-September to early April of the following year. During this time, Icelandic nights are long and dark enough. · Golden Hour: 9 PM to 2 AM the following day is the most active period for the aurora. · Recommended Stay: To increase your chances, it is recommended to stay in Iceland for at least 3 nights. The aurora is a natural phenomenon, and a 100% chance of seeing it cannot be guaranteed. 2. ⛅ Core Prerequisites: Weather and KP Value Whether you can see the aurora depends on two key factors: · Primary Condition: Clear night sky · Even with strong aurora activity, if the sky is covered by clouds, you will not be able to see it. Always check cloud forecasts before you go. • Recommended Tool: The cloud cover forecast map on the Icelandic Meteorological Office website is the most accurate and reliable. • Key Indicator: KP Index • The KP value represents the intensity of aurora activity, ranging from 0 to 9. In Iceland, a KP value ≥ 2 offers a chance to see the aurora; a KP value ≥ 3 may result in a very clear aurora. • Note: The KP value predicts the intensity of global geomagnetic activity. Whether it can be seen in Iceland still depends on local weather and darkness. You can use the Aurora Forecast App or related websites to track it. 3. 📍 Recommended Viewing Locations Avoiding light pollution is key. The following locations are listed from easiest to most difficult: • Beginner Choice: Reykjavik area • Grotta Lighthouse: A popular location closest to the city center, but subject to urban light pollution. • Recommendation: Join an aurora tour. Guides know the best locations and will avoid cloud cover zones, significantly increasing the success rate compared to independent travel. • Advanced Option: Snæfellsnes Peninsula • Kirkjufell (Church): A photographer's dream destination where stunning scenery and the aurora borealis are captured side-by-side. • Advanced Option: Along the island's loop route • In the black sand beaches of Vik in the south, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, or the Lake Mývatn region in the north, the aurora borealis can be encountered in any dark place, provided the weather is clear and you are away from village lights. 4. 📸 Practical Observation and Shooting Tips "Seeing" and "shooting well" are two different things. Prepare in advance: • Naked-eye View: The aurora is usually more vibrant in a camera than it appears to the naked eye. What the naked eye sees may be a dancing white or pale green band of light; only at high intensity will it appear bright green or even purple. • Shooting Suggestions: • Equipment: A sturdy tripod is essential! Your camera must have manual mode. • Parameters: Use a wide-angle lens, a large aperture (e.g., f/2.8), ISO 1600-3200, shutter speed between 5-15 seconds, and manual focus to infinity. • Warmth: Winter nights feel extremely cold; wear the warmest clothing, hat, gloves, and non-slip boots. • Safety: Never stop in the middle of the road to observe; always find a safe parking lot. Do not venture into unfamiliar or dangerous areas in inclement weather. 5. 🗓️ Itinerary Planning Example and Alternatives A well-planned itinerary can greatly enhance the experience: • Itinerary Framework: • First 2-3 days: Consider a trip to the South Coast (Golden Circle, waterfalls, black sand beaches) or the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. • Subsequent nights: Aurora hunting can be flexibly planned based on the weather forecast. If the first night has thick cloud cover, there may be opportunities on subsequent nights. • Essential Alternatives: • If the cloud cover is too thick, you can instead enjoy other winter attractions in Iceland, such as the Blue Lagoon, ice cave exploration, or glacier hiking. The aurora borealis is just one highlight of the trip, not the whole story. ✨ Aurora Viewing Pre-Trip Checklist To help you prepare more clearly, here's a quick checklist: Category Key Actions and Preparations Timing Selection ✅ Schedule your trip between September and April. ✅ Plan a stay of at least 3 nights. Forecast Tracking ✅ Check the Icelandic Meteorological Service's cloud cover map before departure and before each night's observation. ✅ Use the Aurora Forecast App to monitor KP values ​​and real-time updates. Location Planning ✅ Research and plan several alternative viewing locations in advance, prioritizing dark, open, and safe locations. ✅ Consider joining a first-time aurora tour to increase your chances of success. Clothing Preparation ✅ Prepare a windproof and waterproof outer layer and a warm inner layer (wool or down). ✅ Pack a hat, gloves, scarf, warm socks, and non-slip hiking boots. Photography Equipment ✅ Bring a DSLR/mirrorless camera, a wide-angle lens, a sturdy tripod, and spare batteries (they drain very quickly in low temperatures). ✅ Learn the basic settings of your camera's manual shooting mode beforehand. Mindset and Safety ✅ Maintain a calm mindset and view the aurora borealis as a rare and precious gift. ✅ Never stop in the middle of a dark road; always prioritize your safety. Summary: Clear weather is the most important factor for successfully chasing the aurora borealis in Iceland, far more important than the KP (Knowledge, Price, and Benefit). With thorough preparation, flexibility, and patience, your chances of encountering Aurora Borealis will greatly increase.

#northernlights The small town of Ölfus, nestled on the south coast of Iceland, offers a truly remarkable backdrop for witnessing the Northern Lights. Here is a detailed breakdown for your trip: Key Information & Review Points * Location Advantage: Ölfus is situated away from the major light pollution of Reykjavík, making the Northern Lights viewing conditions excellent. Its proximity to the coast also offers potential reflections for stunning photographs. * Optimal Timing: * Season: Late September to early April. * Time of Night: 10 PM to 3 AM are typically the peak hours. * Essential Gear: * Warm Layers: The weather is highly unpredictable and often freezing. Thermal base layers, a windproof/waterproof outer shell, insulated gloves, a hat covering your ears, and heavy socks are non-negotiable. * Photography: A tripod (essential for long exposure), a camera with manual settings (DSLR or mirrorless), and an extra battery (cold drains batteries quickly). * Important Things to Know: * Patience is key: The lights are a natural phenomenon; they can be active for minutes or hours, or not appear at all. You must be prepared to wait outdoors. * Check the Forecasts: Utilize the Icelandic Met Office's Aurora Forecast (it rates activity on a scale of 0-9) and the local cloud cover forecast. Clear skies are crucial. * Safety: Always stay near marked roads/areas and inform someone of your planned viewing spot, especially if driving to a remote location. The weather can change suddenly. * Light Pollution: Turn off all car headlights and avoid using bright phone screens while viewing to allow your eyes to adjust to the dark. Ölfus is a prime, less-crowded alternative to the areas directly surrounding Reykjavík for this spectacular natural show. Be prepared for the cold, and the reward is unforgettable.

#hellohalloween The Lava Tunnel Tour in Iceland takes you deep into the heart of an ancient volcanic wonder. Formed thousands of years ago by flowing lava, this natural tunnel shows the raw power of Iceland’s volcanic landscape. Inside, you’ll walk through a long, winding cave filled with colorful rock walls, frozen lava formations, and unique patterns shaped by past eruptions. The walls glow in shades of red, orange, and black, revealing layers of molten history. With guided tours and lights to help you explore safely, it feels like stepping into another world beneath the Earth’s surface. In winter, icicles hang from the ceiling, adding a sparkling touch to the dark tunnel. It’s both mysterious and beautiful, offering a real adventure for nature lovers and geology fans. Walking through the lava tunnel helps you understand how Iceland was born from fire and ice.

On the way to Iceland road trip. National Route 1 is wide and has little traffic, so it's a comfortable drive. The scenery is also nice, so I recommend traveling by rental car. However, there are speedometers along the way, and if you go over the speed limit, a photo of your license plate will be taken. Apparently speeding is subject to a fine even if it's only about 5km over the speed limit, and foreigners will be billed for the fine six months to a year later. The scenery is nice, and it's an easy road to speed on, so be careful. #0yentripFebruary2025 #Iceland

I drove along Iceland's Route 1. The rental car was an automatic and cost about 10,000 yen per day, including insurance. The natural scenery along the way is so otherworldly that you never get tired of driving. You will be greeted by many sheep along the way. This is the view along Route 1 near Diamond Beach. Renting a car with a group can be cheaper and make the trip more enjoyable, so I highly recommend a rental car trip in Iceland.

A 7-day trip to Iceland, a hot spring trip that can’t be missed! -------------------                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   < 🚗 Route Suggestions: DAY1: Blue Lake Explore the mysterious Blue Lake and feel the charm of nature. DAY2: Thingvellir National Park – Geysir and Stroko Geyser – Gold Falls – Crater Lake Cross national parks to view spectacular geysers and visit magnificent Golden Falls and tranquil Crater Lake. DAY3: Highway 1—Middles Icefield—Vick Church Take a drive along Highway 1, explore the wonders of the Midals Icefields, and finish with a visit to the quaint Vic Church. DAY4: Glacier Lake – Vatnajökull National Park Immerse yourself in the beauty of the glacier lake before heading to Vatnajökull National Park to feel the magnificence of the glacier. DAY5: Black Beach – Skoga Falls – Serialand Falls – Hallgrim Chapel – Laugwigle Shopping Street Step across the black sand beach, take in the spectacular waterfalls, visit the uniquely designed church, and finally enjoy shopping. DAY6: Icelandic night under the stars Feel the mystery and beauty of this fantastic land under the stars in Iceland🌌 DAY7: Return End the wonderful trip to Iceland and head home 🛫 with lots of memories -------------------                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   < Travel tips: Visit Iceland in January, this is what you need to know! * January climate: Iceland is cold in January 🌨️, remember to wear more! * Visa information: Get your visa 📖 in advance to go to Iceland and don’t forget to prepare the required materials. * Exchange rate situation: Icelandic kronor and RMB exchange rate are more stable 💱, but it is recommended to convert in advance. *Airport Transportation: Icelandic airport transportation is easy 🚌, taxis and buses are good options. -------------------                                                                                                                       < Feel the magnificence and mystery of nature on your trip to Iceland, and may every step be filled with adventures and surprises🌈

Iceland Glacier Lagoon, Iceland’s soon-to-be-popular secret canyon hiking route, visited Iceland three times, and I discovered this niche canyon hiking route. Not only can you see canyons, glaciers, waterfalls, and streams, but when the weather is good, you can also overlook glacial lagoons and diamond beaches. Away from tourists, you can only see such beautiful scenery on foot. This is my favorite secret canyon hiking route in Iceland. It is very suitable for a walk in Iceland in summer and autumn. Hiking route: Start hiking from the parking lot and go up the canyon. It takes about half an hour to reach the classic viewing platform. The difficulty is very low. I completed the entire journey, which took less than three hours round trip, with a climb of 500 meters and a distance of 6 kilometers. Direct navigation from the location is only a ten-minute drive from Little Glacier Lake. Enter the dirt road from Highway 1 and drive a short distance to the parking lot at the end. Note: Follow the trail and avoid stepping on moss and vegetation.

🍧 After traveling around the world, I'm back on the island. I'd like to share some of the wonderful experiences I've had on the island and offer some travel advice from the perspective of someone who has lived here for three years. 🚗 First, let's talk about the conclusion. Iceland is a great country for self-driving (except in winter, which I'll talk about later). Here are some reasons why self-driving is a good idea: ▫️ 1. Public Transportation 🚌 After living here for three years, I've found that public transportation is very inconvenient. There are no subways, trains, or light rails. The only mode of transportation in the entire country is the bus. Of course, for a sparsely populated island country with only two major cities and the rest being suburban towns and natural wilderness, this is actually quite reasonable. 2. Route 1 ⚪️ Most of the attractions in Iceland (or all of them) are scattered along Route 1, which circles the island. Once you leave the city, the route is very simple. Just drive southeast along the highway. The road conditions and driving difficulty are very low. 3. Glacier/Blue Ice Cave Meet-on-Location Tour ❄️ One of the reasons I chose to join a three-day tour on my first trip to Iceland was the somewhat challenging glacier hike/blue ice cave. But actually, you can choose to join a separate activity to fit your self-driving schedule. There are also guides, special protective equipment, and climbing shoes for rent. And the available times are more flexible (*reminder: you still need to arrive at the meeting point 20 minutes in advance) 4. Flexible Schedule 🕒 Personally, I really like freedom and the rhythm of planning and controlling my own travel. I have to go to class and work on weekdays, so having to get up at 7 a.m. every day while traveling is really painful 💧 ▪️ ☃️ Now let's talk about why self-driving is not recommended in winter. To a large extent, this is based on safety considerations, especially for those who are traveling to Iceland for the first time: 1. Snow 🗻 If you have little experience driving on snowy/icy roads, your car is likely to run off the road or get stuck in the snow while self-driving in Iceland in winter. The search and rescue team is very busy in winter, and you will probably have to wait a long time to be rescued. 2. Blizzard 🌫 Iceland often has blizzard warnings in winter. This greatly reduces visibility, and driving on the road with obstructed vision can greatly reduce your control of the road conditions and may cause accidents. 3. Unstable Weather 🌬 The glacier lake boat only operates in summer, and glacier hikes and blue ice caves may be suddenly canceled due to weather conditions. At this time, self-driving +The unstable weather in winter can easily affect your mood and mental state. It's important to have a professional/experienced driver around you. After all, the point of traveling is to have fun. . 🍧 Finally, I hope everyone can have good weather when they come to play in Iceland 🪄✨. Here are some pink sunsets. It takes several storms to meet the sunny winter island, but I always selfishly think that the winter island is the real island;) . 💌🧼🛁 .