I saw most of Iceland by myself. Which was incredibly safe. I think I got a lot of special things done for me at the hostels etc... because I was by myself. The people I met over there checking out the country from France, Germany and Holland were absolutely some of the finst people I have ever met in my life and it may have been different if I had been with other people.

My biggest fear was that I was going to get sruck somewhere in my truck and not be able to get out. That never happened. You can take the bus all along route one that will get you close enough to hike to most of the major places. I do recommend seeing the westside of Dettifoss and Red falls, the other falls in that area and going further up the road to the area like Arcadia Maine (personally in my opinion it blows Maine away)

My second favorite place had to be the five fingers and the Pennsula just east of it. Lake Mcvaten will be infested with insects during the summer.

If you can't get a group to travel with rest assured that many of the people that go there go alone. As you experience Genisis I think it is better that way. A true spiritual experience. If you go with someone else they may want to spend a bit too much time in Rekj which is a great place. The Island off the South Coast is a must I forget the name but the volcano was still smoking when I was there. (Many moons ago).

Don't be afraid to look around some of my best experiences were when I happened to stumble over something. Good Luck!

I also had a great time traveling in Iceland sola. Granted it was almost 10 yrs ago now... But I felt very safe, people were very friendly, I had no trouble at all hitchiking everywhere I went. The volcanic isle is Sertsi, I believe (though my spelling is probably wrong). When do you hope to go this summer? I think I will be there in early August--mostly for a romantic vacation with my boyfriend, but it would be cool to meet some new friend(s) and maybe do a hike or something together if we overlap. Aloha, Laura

Thanks both of you for your very helpful comments. I'm not crazy about traveling by myself but it sounds like it would be just fine by your description. Since this posting I met someone who may be interested in coming with me though. I'll see how that pans out.

The island is called Surtsey. It was born the same year I was in 1967. I've known about that island for a long time actually. I was fascinated by it awhile back. I didn't know you could actually go to it. I'll put that on my list.

I am going in early August as well probably. Yes, I would like to get together and do a hike. That would be great.

TTINLA

Whops I was wrong. It started erupting in 1963.

TTINLA

Ok, you convinced me. I'm going alone. Got any recommendations on Hostels in Reykjavik or the Golden Circle area?

TTINLA