About
Hi, I’m Óli. Think of me as your friend in Iceland.
I’ve lived here my whole life and worked in Icelandic tourism for almost 20 years. I know the famous stops, the gravel side roads, and the places that don’t have a sign. This site is everything I’d tell you if you were flying in next month and asked me for advice.
Why there’s no photo of me
I keep this site a bit anonymous, on purpose. It lets me be honest — about overpriced tours, overhyped attractions and the places I think you should skip — without worrying about who’s reading. And honestly, you’re not coming to Iceland to look at me. The road is the better view.
So instead of a selfie, you get what I’d actually show you: the places themselves, the routes between them, and prices I’ve paid myself.
Why I started Ready Set Iceland
After almost 20 years in tourism, I see the same things every summer. People trying to squeeze the whole South Coast into one day. Paying for a tour to a waterfall they could have driven to in 20 minutes. Rushing past Þingvellir to stand in a crowd at Geysir. Missing the quiet spot just five minutes off Route 1.
Most of that comes from advice written by people who spent a week here once. It’s not bad advice, it’s just not local advice. So I started writing down what I’d tell a friend instead.
My promises to you
01
Real prices, in ISK
Every price has a date next to it. When things change — and in Iceland they do — I update the post.
02
Driving times I’ve driven
Not what Google Maps says on a calm day. What it actually takes, with weather, stops and the odd sheep on the road.
03
Honest, even when it’s awkward
If something is overpriced or overhyped, I’ll say so. Nobody pays me to say nice things.
04
Clear about affiliate links
Some links earn me a small commission at no cost to you. I only use them for things I’d recommend anyway, and every post says so up front.
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Got a question about your trip?
The easiest way to reach me is the email list. Sign up for the free guide, then just hit reply on any email. I read them all, and the best questions often turn into posts.
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Takk fyrir að kíkja við — thanks for stopping by.