It is a very expensive country. Heres why you should visit Iceland in winter! (They dont call it the Land of Ice and Fire for nothing, after all.). Traveo prides itself on its customizability, and we will be happy to walk you through this process and make recommendations. However, the natural Katla ice cave in Mrdalsjkull glacier, the man-made ice cave tunnels in Langjkull glacier, and the ice cave exhibition in the Perlan Museum all make for a great alternative. Despite its tiny population, Iceland constitutes a big landmass, thus requires some preparation for those looking to experience the very best this country has to offer. A multi-sensory experience, this flight simulation ride brings everything youd hope to see to life breathtakingly. While we were out and about we saw people with some very wet and very cold feet as their trainers just werent up to the job. A final note on packing; make sure to avoid denim, as the material soaks up water quickly, only to have a difficult time drying out. Thanks!! Iceland deserves its fame and all the accolades it receives, and you might be thinking, not another travel blogger writing about Iceland but if I didnt genuinely wish I had known all of this before I visited Iceland during winter, I wouldnt be wasting my time writing it! Keeping your gear safe and dry can be a little tricky so make sure you can get your camera covered quickly and keep that lens clean in adverse weather. Some will stay open into October, just as the winter starts to creep in, but most will close-up shop before the snow settles. Northern Lights Hotels in Iceland You Need to Visit, 12 Hot Springs in Iceland You Need to Visit, Travelling in Iceland: What You Need to Know. Where to stay in regions such as South Iceland, the West Fjords. Previous local acts who have played Iceland Airwaves include the likes of lf Arnalds, Retro Stefson and Of Monsters and Men. This same warm ocean current provides relatively mild winters for Icelands latitude. Laugavegur street is Reykjavks cultural centre. When I was there they were accurate one night but I never saw them the other times it said they were about. Treat the Northern Lights as a bonus to your Iceland trip, rather than a requirement. These impressive falls boast a height of 60m, and a width of 25m. What should you include in your Iceland winter travel plan? Show all photos Where to stay in Vik, you ask? The Iceland South Coast in Winter (tips + photos) - ZigZag On Earth But like many things about travelling Iceland in winter, you should undergo a little preparation to avoid disappointment! Photo: 10-Day Winter Small Group Guided Tour of Iceland Despite being a fairly green and temperate European nation during the summer, the winter truly sees Iceland live up to its name. We do this to improve browsing experience and to show personalized ads. Allow yourself time to reach each place safely. Theyre around all year, its just that in winter you see them the most and its darker! ingvellir is a UNESCO World Heritage site, most famous as the birthplace of the worlds first democratically elected parliament, the Alingi, which still operates todayalbeit in Reykjavk. Icelandic winters are commonly associated with unbearably cold temperatures. When you have decided on how much you can afford, the next step is to work out your dream itinerary. The few times we fell over on the ice and could have broken ourselves, or our camera gear made it worth it. Aesthetically pure. Except If Iceland is anything, its extreme, and winter is when Iceland is when its at its MOST extreme. Located in the Old Harbor area, Fly Over Iceland is an immersive ride where views of the best Iceland has to offer surround you. Youll find the best lobster soup in town at Sea Baron. Where to stay on Iceland South Coast - map + tips. Instead, the pool has been repurposed as the Secret Lagoon, where you can relax in the warm water. Iceland in winter - why not? Travel guide for budget travel On warm summer days, the temperature can reach 2025 C (6877 F). to visit. The most snowfall in Iceland occurs atop the countrys glaciers in the Highlands. A famous grill market, this high-end restaurant presents itself as a dining experience set in the garden of Eden. Although it isnt as cold as you might think in winter, that doesnt mean the weather in Iceland isnt extremely unpredictable. The key thing is that it doesnt necessarily matter what you shoot with, but you need to know how to use it. Norway in Winter: Why Its Worth Visiting, Sweden in Winter: Explore This Scandinavian Wonderland. I feel like our trip was a great success now. If your shoes grip is somewhat lacking, it is possible to buy crampons from petrol stations and supermarkets around the country. Iceland in Winter: 25 Things To Know Before You Go The property offers numerous activities, including horseback riding. What places should you visit in Iceland and what activities should you do during the winter? This vast lagoon is created by geothermal seawater. . Next, is a separate room lined with suspended kinetic screens, which display stunning visuals of the northern lights and erupting volcanoes. Day 4, sadly, it is time for you to go home. Its still one of my favourite places ever, and what made me fall in love with Iceland in the first place. If you are doing a self-drive tour, feel free to stop to explore such locations as the Seltn geothermal area and Lake Kleifarvatn. A bit further along the Golden Circle (more on that in a bit), youll find the not-so-Secret Lagoon. Your email address will not be published. With our bellies filled, we switched our tickets for the Lava Show to early this afternoon to free up our Day 3. To see this beautifully rugged country in the winter months is an experience that youll never forget. Iceland is well-known for its famous lagoons. This islands community spirit is founded on a respect for nature, and a lingering awareness that its beauty comes hand in hand with the hardships of the prior centuries. Icelandair Hotel Vk is a good deal. Its also the site of some enjoyable and memorable hiking trails. Now, let me shatter any illusion you might have that Iceland is anything but incredible as winter creeps in. Find out! Some of the most popular include Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon, close to Reykjavik. After landing, make your way to the capital, Reykjavk, which is located about 45 minutes from Keflavk International Airport. is a travel writer from England who now lives in Reykjavk, Iceland. A pint of lager can cost 9-10 and a main meal 20 at minimum (thats burger and chips in town). The burgers are surprisingly good. Such establishments as Mvatn Nature Baths, Laugarvatn Fontana, Krauma Spa and Geosea Spa all promise a quieter (and cheaper) alternative, without skipping out on any of the luxuries. Alternatively, those travelling in summer will experience a wealth of daylight hours under the Midnight Sun, as well as a black and green landscape untempered by ice and snow. Enough small talk. Consider visiting Perlan, Wonders of Iceland! Nothing beats a hearty meal after a day of adventuring through Iceland, and one thing the country does very well is serve up fantastic cuisine. Its a magical place, so do what you can, and enjoy all that Iceland in winter has to offer! Locally, the Golden Circle refers to three of the most iconic sights the south of Iceland offers. Your email address will not be published. You don't want to miss out! We were gone from 7:30 am until 6:00 pm. Your day will start around 7:30 am. This stirring spectacle has become one of the countrys most photographed events, ensuring its a must-see on every travellers bucket list. Of course, do your best to put yourself in a situation to see them. Where To Stay in Iceland in 2023: Best Areas and Hotels - The Tour Guy Iceland isnt overrated, but it does take planning and patience. However, it is enough time to give you a glimpse of the stunning nature, the vibrant nightlife, and fascinating culture. Of course, it depends on the year, but we went to Iceland in November and everything was completely white. All the buses stop for restrooms and food breaks every hour and a half. Visit somewhere such as the Jkulsrln Glacier Lagoon at sunrise and youll understand how light can be a pro! Day 1: The tour included transportation to Reykjavik on the FlyBus, which takes approximately one hour. Everyone kept telling me how great our trip looked, and it was after I relaxed and allowed us to go with the flow with whatever the country threw at us! According to the Icelandic Meteorological Office, the winter in Iceland lasts for four months, from the 1st of December until the 31st of March. Option 4 - Where to stay near Jokulsarlon. If youre not one for museums, Reykjavik has some other great places to visit. Reykjavik is coziest during the colder months: restaurants are lit by candlelight, bars are packed with locals heading out for a nightcap, and the iconic Nordic architecture is most beautiful under a layer of snow. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); Solo travel, living abroad, couples travel, and travelling as a family Ive done it all, and now Im here to help you do it too! Our road trip in Iceland in November was amazing and we dont regret it but do wish we had booked a 44 and allowed more time to reach different locations; you dont drive fast on ice! I will share the different views of the waterfall you can enjoy, but let's start with my favorite in alignment with the canyon. If you spot this Icelandair deal in the future, make sure you jump on it! These small horses are so cute! Therefore, many visitors opt for the darker but equally beautiful Katla ice cave on the south coast. Our guides loaded us up with gear (dry suits) to help protect us from the cold as much as possible, and we entered the clear water surrounded by snow. Daylight Iceland in November - 5h to 8h. Thats not to say you cant travel Iceland on a budget, its just that what that budget is, is relative! Thanks for sharing this helpful info. In contrast, the northern town of Akureyri will have over 100 days of snowfall, of which around 97 days will see the ground completely covered in snow. This newest facility is located just outside downtown Reykjavik, allowing fabulous views of Reykjavik during the day and the sky at night. And youre probably imagining yourself in some of the same scenarios youve seen others in and seen photos you want to take yourself. Winter was a struggle for survival, whereas summer offered respite, a chance of rebirth, and an opportunity to face the coming season with learned knowledge and experience. Although they can be viewed in Reykjavik if theyre strong, its better to journey outside the city where theres less light pollution. Despite being a fairly green and temperate European nation during the summer, the winter truly sees Iceland live up to its name. Where to stay in South Iceland: 6 areas (+ best hotels!) - ZigZag On Earth Another is this Red Lava Horse Riding tour from Reykjavik. Snorkeling in Iceland? But nothing can compare with the countrys main attraction the dazzling and mesmerising Aurora Borealis. On your way to Hallgrmskirja church, we stopped at Reykjaviks best bakery, Braud, where the croissants flake perfectly. No matter where you are in the country, there is something spectacular nearby, whether that's great food, dramatic and rugged mountainous landscapes, powerful waterfalls or charming fishing villages. The Best Hotels in Iceland, From Rural Lodges to Reykjavik Boutiques While many of them will show Iceland in summer and youll need to search for or reimagine them as covered in snow, its certainly true that Iceland is an amazing place to take photos. Here, you can partake in an unusual adventure: snorkelling. However, the weather in September both has summery and autumnal features. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Book a night at this resort either at the beginning or end of your vacation before moving to or from a more affordable alternative. We found car insurance online for 58 or with the company for 168 and though the second was more expensive it meant no excess and no deposit from our credit card which we might have wanted to use elsewhere. Everyone survived but the wreckage was abandoned. Three days are definitely not enough time to fully experience the beauty and wonders of Iceland in the winter. Its black volcanic landscapes, and lush open meadows will become blanketed in a thick layer of snow, creating a virginal Arctic vista that portrays the island in a wholly new, yet equally beautiful light. We often book flights before we plan what we want to see, but if youre travelling in winter for one week or less youll soon see that an Iceland winter itinerary that includes the whole Ring Road, the Golden Circle, and Snfellsnes Peninsula is unrealistic. This platform, surrounded by a 20-metre spherical screen, takes you on a 9-minute flight across Iceland. Here, youll find shops, restaurants, cafs, and colourful street art. Theres so much to see on the drive there (or back) and unfortunately, we ran out of time to see a lot of it due to the lack of daylight hours in winter. The places youll most likely be staying in winter are Reykjavik, Vik, and Hof, or near Jkulsrln Glacier Lagoon andSnfellsnes. Your email address will not be published. The season ends on the 6th of January with a massive fireworks display and bonfires. Daylight Iceland in January - 4h30 to 7h. Well, as impressive as a helicopter tour over Iceland sounds, sometimes you just cant fit it into your schedule. Although once you see what it has in store, you might struggle to stop yourself from saying it yourself. However, the deeper inland one goes, the colder the temperature drops. Id love to go in summer as well to see what its like, although sandstorms are an issue then too haha. Suites start at $1,500 per night and overlook the private Retreat Lagoona body of water with the same geothermally heated seawater as the Blue Lagoon. Iceland Metrological Office Aurora Forecast, Silfra: Snorkeling Between Tectonic Plates in Iceland, The Best Iceland Winter Tours: Getting Around Without a Car, Silfra: Snorkelling Between Tectonic Plates in Iceland, What its Like Visiting Iceland in November + Top Tips For Your Trip, Game of Thrones Locations in Iceland Guide + Map to Find Them, 21 Epic Hikes in Iceland (For All Levels! This might mean joining a Northern Lights Tour if you dont have a vehicle or looking up some likely locations in advance. Tip: Book a day trip from Reykjavik that includes the iconic Blue Lagoon. There are, however, a few iconic foods and places to eat that won't cost you an arm and a leg. Just because youre visiting Iceland in the winter doesnt mean that everything has to be cold and frozen. Day 2: Our Golden Circle & Secret Lagoon Tour kept us busy all day. Due to its location outside Reykjavik, it is best enjoyed either upon arrival or just before departure. This is different from the rest of the world where winter lasts from December through February. Lets go. Trust us; the promise of fresh linens and a warm shower will be hugely welcome after a long day exploring Icelands frozen wilderness. Youll often need some liquid courage to endure the colder days in Iceland in winter. There are also some other stops that have become more popular recently, like the Kerid Crater Lake, although if its frozen over it loses a bit of its dramatic appeal. Insider travel tips and guides. Some of these are set up for visitors to experience with a cave expert. We continued exploring downtown by going to the waterfront and taking pictures in front of the Sun Worshipper. So, lets put the cold stares to bed with this epic guide to visiting this Nordic wonderland during winter. We started the day at ingvellir National Park. Ok so its great any time of year, but in winter it can be particularly spectacular! The Lava Show, Fly Over Iceland, and more are also located in this area. Make a list of what you want to see and do while in the land of ice and fire. Of course, if youre hoping to customise the itinerary below, you can always contact us, and we will strive to make your dream winter holiday in Iceland a reality. There are multiple viewpoints from which to observe Gullfoss surrounded by wintery beauty, so make sure to keep your camera at the ready. Iceland has 269 named glaciers and an uncountable amount of ice caves. I would definitely be looking at going in the winter (mainly for the northern lights and also I freakin love winter) but some of these things Id never have even considered. In downtown Reykjavik, youll find the famed 5-metre tall Yule Cat, constructed from tons of steel and over 6,000 lights. You can visit any of the farms around Iceland, with Laxnes Horse Farm near Mosfellsbr and shestar Riding Centre in Hafnarfjrur the most popular. Youll find numerous museums, parks, art galleries, and other attractions throughout the city. Its called Iceland for a reason! We definitely say - "yes, it is". At the foot of the famous Eyjafjallajkull volcano in southern Iceland sits the Umi Hotel. It's black volcanic landscapes, and lush open meadows will become blanketed in a thick layer of snow, creating a virginal Arctic vista that portrays the island in a wholly new, yet equally beautiful light. Filled with historical, geological, and religious highlights, and even some Game of Thrones filming locations. Make a backup plan if the stars dont align for you to see the northern lights. The Old Harbor area of Reykjavik is a charming area worth exploring. This establishment is found in the Grandi neighbourhood of Reykjavk, just five minutes stroll from the picturesque Old Harbour. Expect at least one impromptu dance party, no matter when you visit. A Full Guide to Visiting Iceland in Winter The Discoveries Of Iceland in winter is magical. Thanks so much! Snowfall in Iceland does not spread equally over the country. Those visiting Iceland in the winter can expect snowfall, dark days and such brilliant natural attractions as the Northern Lights and ice caves. Keflavk Source: Tomasz Jan / shutterstock Keflavk Situated along the coast of Reykjavk, Keflavk is home to the only international airport in Iceland, Keflavk International Airport. Expect to return to your hotel around 1 am. There is so much to know about this adventure that a separate post is necessary to cover it all! It was an amazing place to stay for the night before we went to watch the sunrise at the Jkulsrln lagoon just down the road. Because of the access to so many tour options, restaurants, nightlife, services and shopping, Reykjavik is arguably the best place to stay in Iceland, particularly if you're only visiting on a short trip like an Icelandair stopover. Consider water-resistant and warmth and look for budget options, or try second hand! All Rights Reserved, Prices in Iceland: How To Figure Out Your Iceland Trip Cost. We lucked out with several clear days and saw the elusive northern lights, but that was after I had a mini-meltdown when halfway through we hadnt seen as many of the things I had planned and wanted us to and we were super stressed out about the driving. One of the pros and cons of Iceland in winter is the light. 10 Days in Iceland: Itinerary for First-Time Visitors If youve been dreaming of Iceland then youve likely looked at a LOT of photos of dramatic landscapes. ), lfaskei 40,220 Hafnarfjrur+354 497 0800+1 917 985 8382info@traveo.is, Copyright 2022 Traveo Ehf. But why not opt for a stunningly unique way of exploring? Have a look at some other wonderful winter destinations in Europe. A long-standing debate over which is more popular, the Northern Lights or the Golden Circle, continues daily. You will start the second day of your 3 days in Iceland by paying a visit to the stunning Seljalandsfoss Waterfall! Those with only a limited time in the country might not be able to make it all the way across Iceland to visit the short-lived ice caves in Vatnajkull National Park. We ate one of the famous hotdogs from the famous Bjarins Beztu Pylsur. The aurora borealis display is most visible between September through March. Once youve considered all of this, its time to think about accessories. Daylight Iceland in December - 4h30 to 5h. The earliest settlers, who arrived on the island around 870 CE, divided the year into only two seasons, rather than four. Theres a reason (or two) that bathing in any of them often ranks as the best thing to do in Iceland in winter. You can see where the European and North American tectonic plates are pulling apart at the visitors center. If you are looking to visit Iceland in the near future, then winter shows this island at its very best. This even applies in summer! As the largest icecap in Europe, youll find it within Skaftafell National Park. So yes, youre trading seeing some fabulous waterfalls for more icy adventures. Blending nature and cuisine here, you can feast on unique meat-focused dishes. It takes into account short daylight hours in Iceland in winter and leaves you sufficient time for sightseeing, some winter activities, and even some hiking.
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