On the road in Iceland

Written by Andrew Evans

 

 

Join us today in Iceland, where #bradtguides author @WheresAndrew takes over Instagram to share the natural wonder and Nordic quirkiness of the youngest corner of Europe// “In my guidebook I describe the @BlueLagoonIS as the ‘Biggest Tourist Trap in #Iceland’ but definitely worth visiting. Resulting from a geothermal industrial accident, the steaming outdoor lake has just been expanded to accommodate the nearly 2 million visitors expected in Iceland this year. I believe my taking a dip counts as research for the upcoming 4th edition of our award-winning #Bradt guide.” #instatravel #travelgram #igtravel #bluelagoon #blue #water #spa

A photo posted by Bradt Guides (@bradtguides) onJun 23, 2016 at 3:25am PDT

 

Hand-knit wool socks for sale at a roadside stop in northern Iceland. Icelandic wool is exceptionally warm, shorn from an ancient breed of Viking sheep. When traveling in #Iceland, it’s always good to bring a few extra pairs of dry socks. I advise against buying woolen goods from “Puffin Shops”, as most of the tourist products are made in China. Instead, visit local knitting cooperatives, or the Handknitting Association of Iceland (in Reykjavík), where you can find authentic hand-knit sweaters, gloves & socks. Or buy your own Icelandic wool & knit them yourself! (Photo by @WheresAndrew) #bradtguides #igtravel #instatravel #knitting #yarn #craft

A photo posted by Bradt Guides (@bradtguides) onJun 23, 2016 at 6:14am PDT

 

I’ve always admired the small red & white churches that punctuate the great green vastness of Iceland. Testaments of the nation’s Lutheran faith, most sites date back to early Viking farms from the settlement era, over a thousand years ago. On a particularly windy day I stopped by this church at Prestbakki. I struggled to stand up long enough to snap this pic, then retreated back into my car which continued to shake with the blast of Arctic wind. (Photo by @wheresandrew) #bradtguides #travel #Iceland #instatravel #igtravel #christianity #history #church

A photo posted by Bradt Guides (@bradtguides) onJun 23, 2016 at 9:42am PDT

 

Much of Iceland can only be reached on dusty, unpaved roads, so it helps to have a 4WD vehicle. Exploring Arnarfjörður in the Westfjords, I drove for hours on this path without seeing another human. For me, the silent gargantuan landscapes instill a real sense of awe & reverence. (Photo by @wheresandrew) #bradtguides #travel #instatravel #igtravel #earth #Iceland #travelgram

A photo posted by Bradt Guides (@bradtguides) onJun 23, 2016 at 11:37am PDT

 

The name “Iceland” can be misleading, especially in summer when sunny days blend into sunny nights. Driving into Akureyri, I came upon this artist adding a dash of color to her home. An important part of updating a guidebook is to get a feel for the changing nature of each city. I’ve always loved Akureyri & its art scene, so I was pleased to see the city even more vibrant than before. (Photo by @wheresandrew) #Iceland #igtravel #instatravel #travelgram #art #yellow #bradtguides

A photo posted by Bradt Guides (@bradtguides) onJun 23, 2016 at 12:54pm PDT

 

Horseback riding is a fantastic way to explore Iceland. Brought over by the Vikings 1,100 years ago, the breed is notoriously strong with flowing manes and a thick coat that grows long in winter. (Photo by @wheresandrew) #horse #bradtguides #instatravel #travelgram #Iceland #igtravel #white

A photo posted by Bradt Guides (@bradtguides) onJun 23, 2016 at 2:22pm PDT

 

Much of Iceland is uninhabited, but that never stops me from exploring the middle of the country. I encourage my readers to do the same—responsibly—because only in the interior highlands does one find scenes like this—a glacial lake melting beneath a frozen lava mountain. (Photo by @wheresandrew) #igtravel #Iceland #travelgram #instatravel #snow #bradtguides #travel #earth

A photo posted by Bradt Guides (@bradtguides) onJun 23, 2016 at 5:39pm PDT

 

The less romantic side of guidebook writing is fact-checking everything—including opening hours. Smartphones supplement my scribbled notebooks, and so I find myself taking thousands of photos that I can reference when I’m back at my desk. #bradtguides #travel #instatravel #work #myjob #igtravel #Iceland

A photo posted by Bradt Guides (@bradtguides) onJun 23, 2016 at 6:08pm PDT

 

Fresh-made blueberry ice cream at Erpstaðir, where the farmers milk their 48 cows & sell the dairy on-site. Hand-picked summer blueberries & rich cream make this the best ice cream I’ve ever tasted in the world. Worth the 2.5 hour drive from Reykjavík! (By @wheresandrew) #travel #icecream #instatravel #igtravel #latergram #blueberry #foodie #yum

A photo posted by Bradt Guides (@bradtguides) onJun 23, 2016 at 7:22pm PDT

 

Morning coffee in Siglufjörður, or “Shark Fjord”, once famous for the herring fisheries that boomed after WWI. A new wave of high-adventure ski tourism now runs the economy. (By @wheresandrew) #bradtguides #iceland #travel #igtravel #instatravel #coffee

A photo posted by Bradt Guides (@bradtguides) onJun 24, 2016 at 2:48am PDT

 

Back at my desk, writing up the 4th edition of #BradtGuides #Iceland (due out in 2017). I love sharing this country I love in these pages. Thanks for traveling with me! #travel #igtravel #instatravel #book

A photo posted by Bradt Guides (@bradtguides) onJun 24, 2016 at 6:34am PDT

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Inspired to visit Iceland? Check out our guide for more infomation…  

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