fbpx

MUST SEE IN ICELAND

Erik hitchhiked around Iceland 3 times: Just have patience

    Hallgerður

    Posted on
    Sunday, October 7, 2018

    Film maker and photographer Erik Kantar has hitchhiked around Iceland three times. He stayed for two weeks on the first trip, a month for the second and the third and last trip was only five days.

    “I’ve hitchhiked across the entire country through the south and up to the north and through the west as well,” says Erik. He’s a big fan of Iceland and is grateful that he decided to hitchhike his way around the rugged landscape.

    Erik is totally smitten with Iceland.

    “I’ve never had any scary experiences. I’ve met some beautiful, genuine people. Every single person I’ve met has been wonderful in their own way,” he says and adds that the weather didn’t dampen his spirit one little bit.

    “I love nature and although the weather can be tough on us, it is also amazing to see how powerful the forces of nature actually are.”

    Erik enjoying the Icelandic landscape.

    Patience and smarts

    Erik has fallen head over heels for Iceland and is currently working on a documentary about Icelandic sheep farmers. Since he is such a fan of hitchhiking, I had to ask him for some tips for others eager to make use of that mode of transportation.

    “Patience!! And be smart about where you decide to stand and wait. If you aren’t waiting in a safe place for cars to pull over, no matter how nice a driver may be, he/she will not pull over for you. Try to make it as easy as possible for drivers. I’ve had good success outside gas stations,” he says.

    Be smart about where you stop, says Erik.

    What about his favorite places in Iceland? Any areas that stand out for this young and ambitious film maker?

    “The west of Iceland is unbelievable. Getting off of the main Golden Circle on the west end has so many gorgeous landscapes that amaze me every time. There isn’t a specific place, just the drive through the west is surreal enough.”

    Rich history and culture

    I also wonder what the appeal is for Erik, since he’s visited Iceland three times already.

    Hiking in Iceland.

    “In Iceland, the people are incredible resilient. Their ancestors have survived through some of the hardest natural conditions any civilization has ever seen and the sheep has been a huge part in that. The beautiful part is that nothing changed. The Icelanders farm and follow traditions very similar to their original people. The history and culture is rich, and to be able to see that is inspiring. To be able to witness and capture this is an honor,” says Erik, who has his heart set on visiting Iceland again in the near future.

    “This is my favorite place, and I will never stop coming back. And of course I will hitchhike!”

    Erik will definitely return one day.

    More in Insider Tips

    Top 5 Tours

    Must do tours in Iceland

    We have handpicked the best tours in Iceland so you don't have to.


    24.990 ISK PER PERSON.
    Estimated $178 €165
    12 hours
    BOOK THIS TOUR

    15.900 ISK PER PERSON.
    Estimated $113 €105
    1,5–2 hours
    BOOK THIS TOUR

    63.900 ISK PER PERSON.
    Estimated $455 €422
    Approx. 40 minutes
    BOOK THIS TOUR

    12.900 ISK PER PERSON.
    Estimated $92 €85
    approx. 9 hours.
    BOOK THIS TOUR

    MUST SEE ON SOCIAL MEDIA

    Wherever you are, share your travel stories with #MUSTSEEICELAND

    Follow us for updates and conversations

    Must see in Iceland
    Read About Must See in Iceland or read our Terms and conditions
    Must see in Iceland is registered in Iceland as Must See Ferðafélagi ehf., corporate id: 500117-0600.
    We are fully licenced Day Tour Provider by the Icelandic Tourist Board
    We accept
    Visa MasterCard American Express Diners Club JCB Discover Union Pay

    Why choose us?

    © 2017 Must See, Starmýri 2a, 108 Reykjavík, Iceland, Tel: +(354) 696-7098,
    Design/Coded by Pipp