Thanks for the comments.
Quote:
Originally Posted by rltilley
Beautiful photos! As you go through the country I'd be interested in hearing your take on what it's like as far as crowds go. Iceland has been on my list for years but I have heard tourism has been growing something like 30% per year lately. I imagine where you will be going would be off the beaten path so likely less crowded.
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Well, that trip was my third one in Iceland. I travelled there the first time about 25 years ago, then another trip 11 years ago, then this one.
To be honest, I was horified discovering what tour operators have made from Iceland in less than ten years. Every spot of the South Coast or Golden Circle has been fitted by huge parking lots, restaurants, hotels, etc. For example, we went to Skogafoss, one of the well known waterfall of South Coast in a really rainy day. It was about 6 PM and when we arrived there, not less than about 1,500 people where there! Can you just imagine that? There was 45-50 large buses, likely about 80 RV and 150-200 cars parked. We just didn't stop and went further.
We went quite early on the morning to another well known spot: Diamond beach. At 8 AM, there was already about 50 cars and more thant 10 RV + 6 large buses...
This happend only because Iceland is about 3 hours away from Europe and that tour operators are promoting this destination as a best deal since 6-8 years. Despite the very expensive life there, lots of people visit Iceland for 3 to 7 days, only going to the main spots along Road Nb 1, the paved road around the island.
We just gave up the idea of visiting the South Coast and fortunately, VivaLaVida allowed us to access the Highlands, where only serious capable offroad cars can access, mainly because of deep fords. Out of high season, there were a lot less people.
Actually, the parliament voted last september to ban boondocking all over the island. There is already prohibition sign everywhere along the coast but not to much yet in the highlands. Anyway, if you're unlucky and get spotted by a ranger, the fine is quite expensive. And as there is almost no tree to hide and that offroad is strictly vorbidden, it's difficult to find discret places.
All in one, each new year, it becomes worth and that's why I went back there this year as I wanted to show that place to my partner. But I will not go back there, definitely too crowed for me.