Chase,
I visited Iceland about 15 years ago. If you havent read them yet the Icelandic Sagas give good cultural background and theyre entertaining to boot.
Everything is expensive. If youre into film photography take all the film you can in summer the light is superb. If you are flying the duty free shop is on the way in. Buy alcohol; even if you dont drink it you can barter it, also beer makes an excellent thank you present for any Icelander. Some water may be tainted. I didnt find it a great problem but if you like a cup of tea you may find you need to use bottled water to make it.
Reykjavik is the best party city I have ever experienced.
There is a very good Folk Museum at Skogar.
Worth visiting are the Geysir geothermal park and Gullfoss waterfall. Theyre quite close to each other. My favourite waterfall was at Fjallfass. Waterfalls are fed by glaciers, they are at their most spectacular after a few sunny days, and they are very spectacular. The Thingvellir National Park, home to the Viking Parliament of the sagas, straddles the Mid Atlantic Ridge - also worth a visit
The terrain is hard. Think black dessert. Water may not be easily available. Dont rely on the snow line; it may be further away than you think. Volcanic sides are steep and often covered by sharp scree, which will hurt if you go down in it. My guide crossed this scree by stomping down with each step and he was very sure footed but then he had been doing it all his life. I found it a bit difficult to imitate his technique at first.
Icelandic people are, in the main, superstitious; for instance roads will be routed to avoid natural features that they believe to be home to supernatural beings. In Iceland the press coverage of this has been perceived as negative and most Icelanders either play it down or dont want to talk about it, which is a pity.
There is a trick played on children. They are asked if they want a piece of seal, if they say yes they get a clout round the ear; it is said to develop stoicism, which they will need later in life. Icelanders have stoicism in spades but then they make a success of living in northern latitudes all year round. Respect due.
I enjoyed my time in Iceland, Im sure youll enjoy your visit too.