Frequently Asked Questions
About Iceland
Where is Iceland? How do I get to Iceland?
Iceland is a North Atlantic island and a part of Europe. It lies about 800 km Northwest of Scotland and 970 km west of Norway, and it’s northern coast is just below the Arctic Circle. We don’t recomend rowing solo accross the Atlantic, but that is one way to get here! There are frequent flights operate to Iceland from main cities in Europe and North America.
How cold is it?
Summer temperatures are around 15°C with the north and east often being the warmest parts in the summer but coldest in winter. Average January temperatures in Reykjavík, at around zero, are actually higher than those in New York.
How are Icelanders like? Do Icelanders speak English?
Exceptionally friendly, highly educated, sophisticated, attractive, honest, and very modest ? . Our ancestors were predominantly Norwegian, although some came from the British Isles. Most Icelanders speak English fluently. In fact, they welcome the opportunity. So, don’t be shy about approaching an Icelander.
Can I pay with a credit card? What kind of money is used in Iceland?
All major credit card are accepted we also accept other means of payment, for example, Paypal. We use the Icelandic króna (ISK). All major currencies can be exchanged at the airport and banks. You can also find ATMs all over the country.
What is the standard tip for tour guides?
Tourism in Iceland is young and there is no custom for donating tips nor is it mandatory or expected but greatly appreciated if you wish to show your appreciation in that way.
Can I bring a drone with me?
That depends on the location. Flying drones on Iceland National Parks requires a special permit. All tours in glacier outlets of Vatnajökull take place in Vatnajökull National Park, this includes all tours from Skaftafell and from Jökulsárlón. In order to fly your drone, you need to request a permission to the National Park. You can find the information on their website here. Same applies for tours on Thingvellir National Park (such as Golden Circle, Golden Circle and Snorkeling, and Snorkeling in Silfra), information can be found on the National Park website here. Keep in mind there are other areas where done use is also forbidden and/or discouraged by local communities. It is safe to bring a drone to Sólheimajökull glacier without a permit. However, you need to keep in mind that we can’t delay the other members of your tour to accommodate filmmaking.
Glacier and Ice caving
What should I wear on the tours?
Weather in Iceland is very unpredictable. For tours during winter: warm clothing as the first layer, waterproof jacket with a hoodie, hiking boots with ankle protection and hard sole, a hat and gloves are ideal. For tours during summer, bringing a light rain jacket or a soft shell with a hoodie is in most cases enough protection. Icelanders often say, “If you don’t like the weather, just wait 5 minutes”. Jeans are not recommended for our trips as they become very heavy, cold and uncomfortable to wear when they get wet.
Do I need hiking boots?
We encourage bringing hiking boots for glacier tours. They have to hard on the sole and tight around the ankle. If you don’t have them, we have them for rent in all sizes in Skaftafell or Sólheimajökull. You can add them to your reservation at the time of booking or rent them on location pay with cash or card. The price is ISK 1,500 per pair. For ice climbing tours, boots are included in the price.
How difficult are glacier hikes?
We offer glacier hiking tours in Skaftafell and one in Sólheimajökull. Both locations either easy or moderate in difficulty. Our tours are considered to be safe for anyone in good physical condition. If you are fit to walk for about an hour on an uneven surface a glacier hike is for you. Longer tours will be more challenging in endurance and some areas of the glacier. We also recommend you remember that we offer all the safety equipment necessary and you will be hiking with a professional and certified glacier guide. If you have specific questions regarding one of our glacier tours, feel free to email us.
If I am pregnant, can I join a glacier hike?
This is a personal choice. We have had pregnant women on our glacier hikes and we always recommend you read the description of the activity to get a better idea. In any case, feel free to contact our Service Team for further questions and concerns.
What if it’s raining?
It rains a lot in Iceland, but we do not let rain stop us from going out and enjoy nature. All we need to do is choose our clothing wisely, which is why we recommend wearing waterproof clothing as the second layer. Of course, safety is our #1 priority. In case of extreme weather conditions, we will cancel our tours and do our best to reschedule. In these cases, you’ll receive a full refund.
Snorkeling
Where do I meet the guides for the snorkeling tour at Silfra?
The meeting point for this tour by the P5 parking lot at Thingvellir National Park. You can park your car at P5 parking lot and walk to our meeting point – CLICK HERE. You can also look up “Tröll Snorkel Meeting Point” on Google Maps to find the exact location. After parking your car, be sure to pay the 500 ISK parking fee (it will be 750 ISK from 29 July 29th,2018) into the parking meter. You can pay by cash or card. You need to display the parking ticket in the window of your car. This fee is not included in the tour price. From the parking lot, you need to walk around 400 meters back the same way you came to find our van marked Tröll Expeditions where our guides will meet you.
Do I need to know how to swim?
Our dry suits are buoyant and float on the water, however, it is mandatory that all participants know how to swim and feel comfortable in water to join the tour. You do not need to be a very strong swimmer, just to be able to swim and feel comfortable in the water.
Are photos included in the price of the tour?
Yes. GoPro photos are included in the price of the tour. Your guide will take photos through your tour, both outside the water and under the water and they will be sent to you via email after the tour.
Minibus tours
What is the difference between Multiday tours and Discount Combo tours?
Multiday tours and combo tours are different things. Multiday tours include accommodation, breakfast, and private bathroom. The discount combo tours are single day tours from Reykjavík that have a discounted price if you book them together, they all come back to Reykjavík to drop you off at your accommodation. Except the Discount Combo 3 that is the combination of Golden Circle and a 2 day tour, this includes accommodation for one night only during the 2 day tour.
What kind of tours do you offer?
We have three product lines at the moment: day tours, multi day tours, and glacier adventures. Our day tours are tours that last for one day and departure from Reykjavík. Our multi day tours departure from Reykjavík, last for two or more days and accommodation is included in the price. Finally, we have glacier activities. These activities are on location, which means, you need to arrange transportation there where you will meet our guides.
Do you offer private tours?
Yes, we most certainly do! Please contact to [email protected] with your request and we will definitely look into it and respond with the ideal tour for you and your travel group
Pick up from Reykjavík
How does pick up work?
For tours that state that they pick up from Reykjavík, we ask all our customers to send their pick up location at least 24 hours prior to the departure of their tour. We cannot be responsible if you do not provide your pick up location, we won’t be responsible if you miss your tour. We offer free pick-up from Reykjavik city center. Pick up starts at the scheduled departure time for the tour can take up to 30 minutes. We ask our passenger to be ready in their listed location so they can be easily found.
What are designated pick up locations?
Due to regulations of Reykjavik City, tour companies are allowed to stop at certain designated bus stop locations in the city centre to pick up passengers. It is stated on your voucher whether we will pick you up directly from your accommodation or from the bus stop.
How can I find the nearest designated pick up location?
About Tröll Expeditions
Do you work with collaborators?
Yes. Please contact our Marketing and Sales Department at [email protected] for more information about media collaborations.
Can you tell us a fun fact about Tröll Expeditions?
Yes. Many! Our founder and CEO, Ingólfur has an extensive history of success in regular sports and adventure sports. He is a boss in handball, mountaineering, paragliding, ice climbing, and the list goes on! Our team has 2 world record holders: Mike and Sigga, a politician and former singer, Maggie, the owner of Mundi the Blind Puffin (a famous puffin with over 6,000 followers on Instagram) Kaktuz, a former finance minister, Björgvin and many other interesting life stories!
What is your favourite glacier?
We are probably biased because we have a base camp in Skaftafell, but the truth is that Vatnajökull and all its glacier outlets are of beauty that is hard to find on this planet. However, glacier outlets of Mýrdalsjökull have their charm too, the mixture of ice and ash in Sólheimajökull and Kötlujökull makes you feel like you just landed on the moon.
Iceland in the summer or in the winter?
Each season has its charm Iceland in the winter has the northern lights, the coziness of being at home, knitting and eating winter food. Iceland in the summer has the midnight sun, the friendliness of the outdoors and summer food! We love this land, any time of the year!