Beyond the Ring Road: An Iceland Insider’s Guide to Avoiding the Crowds

Iceland is so much more than the Golden Circle and Northern Lights—there's a vast country that exists beyond the tourist hotspots. On this episode of Unpacked, join host Aislyn Greene as she speaks with travel writer Ali Wunderman, who has been exploring the country for more than a decade. Ali shares how to connect with authentic Icelandic culture, avoid the crowds, and discover the spots that most visitors miss. From traditional lopapeysa sweaters to remote West Fjords adventures, learn how to experience Iceland like a local. In this episode, you'll learn How to avoid crowds at Iceland's most popular destinations Why the West Fjords and East Fjords offer Iceland's most authentic experiences The cultural significance behind Iceland's tourism boom and economic recovery How to respectfully engage with Icelandic hot spring etiquette and local customs Don't miss these moments [03:00] The tourism video that changed everything and launched Iceland's boom [08:00] Why dating an Icelander is the ultimate travel hack (and passport strategy) [15:00] Iceland's transformation from a place left off maps to overtourism destination [20:00] The real story behind Icelandic cuisine beyond fermented shark [25:00] How WWII American soldiers accidentally created modern Iceland's progressive culture [30:00] Essential Icelandic words and cultural tips for connecting with locals Meet this week's guest Ali Wunderman, travel writer for National Geographic, Vogue, and Afar, and author of an Iceland guidebook Resources —Read the transcript of this episode —Read Ali's Afar.com story about off-the-beaten-path Iceland —Explore Afar's guide to Iceland —Browse Ali's Iceland guidebook —Follow Ali's travels and writing on Instagram —Explore her ex-boyfriend's Icelandic music playlist. "He often shares this with foreigners to get a deeper taste of Iceland's music beyond the stuff that makes it to the USA," Ali says. Where to Stay Find your dream Icelandic hotel Where to Eat, Drink, and shop Shop for traditional Icelandic sweaters at the Handknitting Association of Iceland Eat Icelandic cuisine at Dill restaurant (Iceland's first Michelin star) Try local Thai restaurants (a surprising Iceland specialty) Eat the famous hamburger with fries inside at Leirunesti in Akureyri Activities Horseback riding with Eldhestar Sheep herding during réttir season (September) Iceland Airwaves Music Festival (November) Þorrablót winter festivals (January) West Fjords photography expeditions Highland four-wheel-drive adventures Bonus Opportunity: What's one tricky travel topic you want us to unpack? Send us a voice message here, for a chance to weigh in and be featured in an upcoming episode. Stay Connected Sign up for our podcast newsletter, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Behind the Mic⁠⁠⁠, where we share upcoming news and behind-the-scenes details of each episode.  Explore our other podcasts, View From Afar, about the people and companies shaping the future of travel, and ⁠Travel Tales⁠⁠⁠, which celebrates first-person narratives about the way travel changes us. Unpacked by Afar is part of ⁠⁠⁠Airwave Media⁠⁠⁠'s podcast network. Please contact ⁠⁠⁠[e-mail]⁠⁠⁠ if you would like to advertise on our podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices