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My Two-Month Journey In Iceland, Hitchhiking, Camping And Photographing The Most Serene Landscapes I’ve Ever Seen
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My Two-Month Journey In Iceland, Hitchhiking, Camping And Photographing The Most Serene Landscapes I’ve Ever Seen

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In early August 2015, I left my hometown of Sofia with the idea to visit Iceland. I didn’t take a flight nor did I take the ferry – I took the public transport to the ring road of the city and there, at the last stop of bus number 54, my journey started.

I hitchhiked through whole Europe and upon my arrival in the UK took the plane to the dream destination which this island was supposed to be. There I’ve spent two months, alone, in search of different viewpoints, exploring feelings and emotions, putting up ahead some small and big goals and trying to fulfil them. Walking or hitchhiking for more than 9700km, sleeping in a tent almost every night far away from public camping grounds, spending no more than 7€ per day, I’ve enjoyed photographing some of the most amazing landscapes I’ve ever seen and had loads of unforgettable moments – it was worth it, Iceland didn’t fail the expectations.

More info: spatarozliev.com | Instagram | google.com

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    THE IDEA

    Travelling is something amazing yet, as many other things in life, it starts to get a bit unproductive if one does it aimlessly. Therefore I have decided that I could do more than just exploring and roaming around on this trip. Two main goals were set:

    #1 LIVE WITH AS LESS AS POSSIBLE without being deprived of the necessities but at the same time leaving the unnecessary behind. Low-budget travelling was something I was “preaching” about for a long time and Iceland, as one of the most expensive countries in the world, seemed to be a good opportunity to prove or disprove my ideas.

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    Usually, there are three main expenses when one travels – for transportation, for shelter and for food.

    • TRANSPORTATION: When I wasn’t trekking, I was hitchhiking and when it didn’t go well, I was just walking along the road, sometimes for whole days.

    • SHELTER: Camping is what I’ve done most of the time. I’ve slept in my tent for 49 nights out of 57 on the island. I’ve also spent two nights CouchSurfing and stayed a few times at a friends’ place using the advantages of modern science – a washing machine and a hot tub.

    • FOOD: I was cooking almost all of my food on a gas stove. At some point, my diet became quite strict – pasta with pesto for lunch and dinner, nuts for breakfast. At the end of my journey, I stayed in some towns which allowed me to do some dumpster diving.

    For the two months spent on the island the I’ve spent around 400€, which makes up for around 7€ a day. To be honest, sometimes I was missing a hot shower, but other than that I didn’t feel deprived of anything. In the end, if this is done in a different way, it could cost way less or even be completely free and still be fine in terms of personal comfort.

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    #2 SHARE. No matter the medium, will it be photography, video, writing, drawing, talking – I thought I’ve kept too many stories and conclusions to myself from my past journeys.

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    Simeon Patarozliev

    Simeon Patarozliev

    Author, Community member

    Read more »

    I like to travel

    Read less »
    Simeon Patarozliev

    Simeon Patarozliev

    Author, Community member

    I like to travel

    What do you think ?
    Add photo comments
    POST
    Matti Jaffe
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Beautiful photographic art. hope to visit and capture one day. thanks for sharing and keep on doing what u enjoy the most.

    ShuMin
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Thats just amazing, I wish i was brave enough to do that. I would love to travel around Scotland like this, but I am too coward :(

    NCphotography
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    amazing photos. Iceland is heaven for photography and you made sure to capture that magic!!

    Zac
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    These photos truly fantastic, though I wouldn't go as far as dumpster diving... p.s What is the exact location in which you shoot the photo, The Troll? Sorry if I am prying you. Did you know that Iceland is part of the longest underwater mountain in the entire world? or is it a called ridge? hmm...

    Zac
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My favorite would be The Troll. p.s Where were shooting?

    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Hey there, sorry for the late reply. The rock is called Hvitserkur. Just check it in google maps :)

    Load More Replies...
    Alicia Rius
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Iceland is in my bucket list to photograph. These photos set the standards VERY high. They are stunning and breathtaking. Amazing job Simeon

    MerhabaAfrica MA
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wow these are amazing! Don't know where to start. I can see why so many movies are filmed there. Waiting for your hitchhiker's guide to the landscapes book to be published 😆 Sounds like you have some amazing tips to share.

    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yeah, it's an amazing place... For the guide - in a way I have started it, you can check out this map here: https://icelandmap.github.io/

    Load More Replies...
    Kristina Mi
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Glad you made it back! Was it cold to sleep in the tent and walk? How much luggage did you carry? I have done many trips (60 countries) and i mainly do couchsurfing. So for those reading this- yes it is possible, no, you don't have to be rich. I am 27 y.o!

    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    CS works in Iceland perfectly, however, it wasn't my way :) Otherwise, I haven't had any issues with the cold, as I had some good gear fortunately. I was carrying between 25-30 kilos, usually with food for 10 days ahead (so I don't have to go to towns to re-supply as often)

    Load More Replies...
    Tushar Murmu
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have seen many photos of the Iceland but yours are truly exceptional! You have captured the essence of Iceland... Someday, I wish I could be able to go there..

    Katinka Min
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It is great that you had so much time that you could see these places at dusk. My Godafoss Experience involved a whole lot more people :-D.

    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yeah I know what you're talking about... I've seen many of these places overcrowded as well and I didn't like it. That's why for some I've waited for October to come so I can have some time alone with the landscape. At 90% of the places I've shot I've actually spent at least one night camping.

    Load More Replies...
    Ulfah Laily
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    so beautiful! what an absolutely inspirational morning for me looking at these photos..

    JillVille Child Care
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Beautiful! Iceland is amazing. The photo titled "Infinite Horizons" - where was that one taken, it looks like the Basalt Columns, we visited one set of them at the Black Sand beach, but you've discovered another bunch of them! Amazing pictures, thank you so much for sharing!

    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yeah, Iceland has some breathtaking views to offer... Infinite Horizons is taken at Selfoss waterfall, which is just 1km away from Gullfoss on that same river. Not many people bother to walk this additional kilometer and they only miss out :)

    Load More Replies...
    Sick Boy
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Serene" is not the word I'd choose for one of the most geologically active places on Earth.

    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Haha :) Still, serenity is something that you mostly find within youself anyway, so as always - words are quite subjective :)

    Load More Replies...
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Thanks Raquel. At the moment I don't but if there is more interest I will think of something. If you like you can drop me a mail so I will have you in mind :)

    Load More Replies...
    Matti Jaffe
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Beautiful photographic art. hope to visit and capture one day. thanks for sharing and keep on doing what u enjoy the most.

    ShuMin
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Thats just amazing, I wish i was brave enough to do that. I would love to travel around Scotland like this, but I am too coward :(

    NCphotography
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    amazing photos. Iceland is heaven for photography and you made sure to capture that magic!!

    Zac
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    These photos truly fantastic, though I wouldn't go as far as dumpster diving... p.s What is the exact location in which you shoot the photo, The Troll? Sorry if I am prying you. Did you know that Iceland is part of the longest underwater mountain in the entire world? or is it a called ridge? hmm...

    Zac
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My favorite would be The Troll. p.s Where were shooting?

    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Hey there, sorry for the late reply. The rock is called Hvitserkur. Just check it in google maps :)

    Load More Replies...
    Alicia Rius
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Iceland is in my bucket list to photograph. These photos set the standards VERY high. They are stunning and breathtaking. Amazing job Simeon

    MerhabaAfrica MA
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wow these are amazing! Don't know where to start. I can see why so many movies are filmed there. Waiting for your hitchhiker's guide to the landscapes book to be published 😆 Sounds like you have some amazing tips to share.

    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yeah, it's an amazing place... For the guide - in a way I have started it, you can check out this map here: https://icelandmap.github.io/

    Load More Replies...
    Kristina Mi
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Glad you made it back! Was it cold to sleep in the tent and walk? How much luggage did you carry? I have done many trips (60 countries) and i mainly do couchsurfing. So for those reading this- yes it is possible, no, you don't have to be rich. I am 27 y.o!

    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    CS works in Iceland perfectly, however, it wasn't my way :) Otherwise, I haven't had any issues with the cold, as I had some good gear fortunately. I was carrying between 25-30 kilos, usually with food for 10 days ahead (so I don't have to go to towns to re-supply as often)

    Load More Replies...
    Tushar Murmu
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have seen many photos of the Iceland but yours are truly exceptional! You have captured the essence of Iceland... Someday, I wish I could be able to go there..

    Katinka Min
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It is great that you had so much time that you could see these places at dusk. My Godafoss Experience involved a whole lot more people :-D.

    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yeah I know what you're talking about... I've seen many of these places overcrowded as well and I didn't like it. That's why for some I've waited for October to come so I can have some time alone with the landscape. At 90% of the places I've shot I've actually spent at least one night camping.

    Load More Replies...
    Ulfah Laily
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    so beautiful! what an absolutely inspirational morning for me looking at these photos..

    JillVille Child Care
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Beautiful! Iceland is amazing. The photo titled "Infinite Horizons" - where was that one taken, it looks like the Basalt Columns, we visited one set of them at the Black Sand beach, but you've discovered another bunch of them! Amazing pictures, thank you so much for sharing!

    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yeah, Iceland has some breathtaking views to offer... Infinite Horizons is taken at Selfoss waterfall, which is just 1km away from Gullfoss on that same river. Not many people bother to walk this additional kilometer and they only miss out :)

    Load More Replies...
    Sick Boy
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Serene" is not the word I'd choose for one of the most geologically active places on Earth.

    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Haha :) Still, serenity is something that you mostly find within youself anyway, so as always - words are quite subjective :)

    Load More Replies...
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Thanks Raquel. At the moment I don't but if there is more interest I will think of something. If you like you can drop me a mail so I will have you in mind :)

    Load More Replies...
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