Icelandair offered a direct overnight flight from Dulles Airport (IAD) to Reykjavik (Keflavik Airport KEF). The chance to see the Northern Lights, otherwise known as the Aurora Borealis, has long been one of Icelands biggest draws for international guests. For a few dollars more, ride the elevator to the top platform, where youre surrounded by the bells that toll every 15 minutes. 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 prominent hot spring is known to blast boiling water up to 15-20 metres in the area every 10 minutes or so. Another downtown highlight is the immense Oslo Christmas tree sent to Iceland as a gift from Norway each year. Im not going to give away my local friends favourite pool but a quick Google search of swimming pools should help you to find some options wherever youre staying! Iceland in winter - why not? Travel guide for budget travel Tip: Most museums and other cultural attractions come included on a guided walking tour of Reykjavik led by an actual Viking. This is because they are entirely natural attractions, thus are more than capable of changing dangers that may not be apparent to the untrained eye. At the foot of the famous Eyjafjallajkull volcano in southern Iceland sits the Umi Hotel. However, residents in these countries will need a visa or a valid travel document. However, there is a notable difference between each corner of the country. The coldest months in Iceland are December and January, where the average temperature for the whole island drops below freezing. For example, 780 krona = ~$7.80. The Ultimate Guide To Visiting Iceland In Winter All the buses stop for restrooms and food breaks every hour and a half. Iceland is not as famous for its winter sports as other nations like Austria or Switzerland, but thats not to say there arent plenty of fun and adrenaline-packed experiences that can be undertaken on the snow here. Youll tour the Golden Circle and Secret Lagoon today. 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. Opt for a glacier hike, snowmobiling on the glacier, or even a mountain truck or super jeep adventure. During the winter, ingvellir takes on a fantastic frozen hue with blankets of snow and frost covering the surrounding lava fields and the nearby Lake ingvallavatn. The Best Hotels in Iceland, From Rural Lodges to Reykjavik Boutiques How to Plan a Camper Van Trip Around Iceland Some will stay open into October, just as the winter starts to creep in, but most will close-up shop before the snow settles. The peninsula has a lot of accommodation spread out across it, and its worth staying a night somewhere to give you more time to explore. Following our return to the hotel, we ate dinner at one of Reykjaviks eight food halls. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. Limited on time but still want to see a little bit of everything? For example, if you chip the windscreen you will then be charged for this amount to take up yourself with your separate insurers later on. Seriously saving this post for future use. We went with CityWalk Reykjavik, a free walking tour offered twice daily. Icelands most popular sightseeing route is the Golden Circle and comprises three major attractions; ingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal valley and the mighty Gullfoss waterfall. Cost of living - latest: Cost of household appliances from July Some, such as the roads that access the Highlands, will be totally inaccessible in the winter. The water in the Silfra fissure stays the same temperature year round, and underwater visibility is over 100 metres. This often means travelling out beyond the Reykjavk city limits. The car rental company actually specifically told us to watch our doors when we open them because the winds can basically rip them off and then the cars a write-off. On your way to Hallgrmskirja church, we stopped at Reykjaviks best bakery, Braud, where the croissants flake perfectly. Obviouslybut how cold is Iceland really? 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. At noon, we left for our Silfra Fissure Snorkeling Tour. Icelandair offered a Fire & Ice special including four days and three nights, so how could I resist jumping on the Iceland bandwagon? When visiting Iceland in winter, you can bet that youll be around for the annual Christmas festivities hosted in Reykjavik in winter. Daylight Iceland in November - 5h to 8h. However, the weather in September both has summery and autumnal features. We definitely say - "yes, it is". As such, seasonal travellers are almost always recommended to make a return trip to Iceland in the future so as to experience these differences themselves. This means that it is important to be well prepared when visiting Iceland. Around the southern coastlines where the Gulf Stream has the most influence, winter temperatures in Iceland average around 0C (32 F). PRO TIP: Capture sunrise from the observation deck at the top of Hallgrimskirkja but dont forget to come back for amazing nighttime shots! The most famous of these resorts is the Blue Lagoon Spa, located on the Reykjanes Peninsula. In fact, in the deepest depths of the winter season, visitors and locals alike will experience no more than a few hours of dim light every day. We use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Your email address will not be published. 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. And the horses oh my goshhhhhh. Such a task should only be handled by those comfortable and experienced behind the steering wheel. Langjkull Glacier can be explored in multiple ways. Due to the genuinely fantastic experience, booking a guided tour through one (or more) is best. Rocks form this no-thrills pool on the outside, and the floor is covered in pebbles. This is especially true in the winter when forced to drive at slower speeds. Make sure you dress appropriately for this epic adventure. A Michelin-starred restaurant, it often features as Icelands best, and for a good reason. Spending more than seven days in Iceland gives you ample opportunity to explore as many as you want. I havent experienced Iceland in summer, so I genuinely cant tell you what its like, but as someone who has travelled a lot, I wouldnt call Iceland quiet in the winter season. Iceland in winter is magical. Where to stay in Iceland [Most Trustworthy Guide for 2023] Daylight Iceland in December - 4h30 to 5h. Travelling has always been her passion and she has now made it her full-time job and worked in the industry for the last five years. These impressive falls boast a height of 60m, and a width of 25m. We packed some good thermals and warm, waterproof coats. This 62-suite hotel has its lagoon with the same waters as the neighboring Blue Lagoon. Due to the ever-constant energy bubbling beneath the countrys volcanic surface, the option to visit geothermal spas is available both in the winter and summer. Theres so much to do in such a relatively small country that planning an Iceland itinerary is really important, otherwise youll be wasting crucial time when youre on there. Ive made 6 different countries my home and travelled to over 40. (And you best believe well have hot chocolate and a warm fireplace at the ready. We were the only people on our 2 pm tour, the last of the day in winter. What places should you visit in Iceland and what activities should you do during the winter? On the one hand, this means more time to potentially see the Northern Lights, YAY! If you thought that travelling to Iceland in winter would mean leaving your bathing suit at home then youd be very mistaken! There are, however, a few iconic foods and places to eat that won't cost you an arm and a leg. Updated on May 14, 2023 | Published on Feb 5, 2023 | Iceland | 0. If you are looking to visit Iceland in the near future, then winter shows this island at its very best. As we reported earlier, world food prices have fallen to their lowest level in two years - but in the UK food prices rose 19.3% in the year to April. Open since 1974, the closest ski resort to Reykjavk is Blfjllapproximately 30 km southeastand comes complete with 15 kilometres worth of skiable slopes. Expect to spend at least 280 (INR 25000) per day for a couple. Iceland Ring Road 2023: My Self-Drive Itinerary & Travel Guide Tip: Opt for a group tour if you dont want to go on a solo horseback mission. We dropped off our bags and unpacked before taking a 2-hour free walking tour with CityWalk Reykjavik. Easy peasy. In many ways, both Iceland and the character of the Icelandic people have been defined by its long winter months. Iceland is one of the best destinations to visit in the winter because there are far fewer visitors, but it's just as spectacular, if not more. Also, remember to keep a good distance between yourself and the vehicle in front, as sudden braking is considerably less effective with less traction. A Complete Guide to Visiting Iceland in Winter | Traveo Iceland Seasons. These repurposed former hot water tanks feature a glass dome and house unique exhibits. Although once you see what it has in store, you might struggle to stop yourself from saying it yourself. 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. Its called Iceland for a reason! I feel like our trip was a great success now. If you have booked with an agency (such as Traveo) and the weather has forced you to alter your plans, one of our friendly agents will be more than happy to come up with fun-filled alternatives. The best part is that Exeter delivers luxury at an affordable price tag. I promise Ill keep the phrase Iceland is magical to a minimum. Option 5 - Where to stay near Seljalandsfoss. Reykjavik in the Seltjarnarnes Peninsula, the town of Akureyri or on the black sand beach of Reynisfjara, to name a few. Kirkjufell (Church Mountain in Icelandic) has become an icon if Iceland, appearing in promotional material all over the place, and cementing its reputation by featuring in Game of Thrones. 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. 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. In 1973 a US Navy plane crashed onSlheimasandur beach. This designated period was initially just for clerical purposes, to make the winter and summer seasons equal in length. If you visit at the end of the day, you may get lucky like us and see the Northern Lights again! For a budget option try Loft Hostel or look at apartments in the city centre that will allow you to do some of your own cooking and save money! All conveniently located along a picturesque road that seems almost ethereal. Spas and geothermal hot pools are an excellent addition to your winter holiday in Iceland, and it should go without saying that a towel and swimwear will be necessary. Jokulsarlon in Winter (Iceland) - Ice caves + Lagoon + Diamond Beach Id love to go in summer as well to see what its like, although sandstorms are an issue then too haha. There are multiple viewpoints from which to observe Gullfoss surrounded by wintery beauty, so make sure to keep your camera at the ready. Option 3 - Eldhraun area. Its very hard to say what the best option is because if you dont need it, it feels like wasted money and if you do youll never be happier to have spent it. If your flight is later, this would be an excellent time to include a stop at Icelands famous Blue Lagoon on your way to the airport. 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! The more darkness you find, the clearer you can see the Northern Lights. Except If Iceland is anything, its extreme, and winter is when Iceland is when its at its MOST extreme. We do this to improve browsing experience and to show personalized ads. One thing to note is that they only schedule reservations five days in advance, so planners may feel anxious having to wait to book a spot! However, the deeper inland one goes, the colder the temperature drops. The Best Places to Stay in Iceland - Luxe Adventure Traveler Lets go. When the snow is billowing, many travellers compare the experience to the famous Star Wars ship, the Millenium Falcon, as it blasts into hyperspeed. Shooting in the snow creates a whole new set of problems and takes time to get right. But the warm waters were not ideal for swimming. I will share the different views of the waterfall you can enjoy, but let's start with my favorite in alignment with the canyon. Its a relatively small island in the North Atlantic Ocean after all! Skogafoss is a must-visit on your 5 days in Iceland and it definitely deserves a spot on your Iceland Itinerary any time of year. Iceland winter travel can be hard and if the weather is against you it can also mean you may not see what you want to. And whats dinner without a view? By Christina Grayt Last Updated April 28, 2023 / Home Where to Stay Where to Stay in Iceland (2023 COOLEST Areas!) At the churchs top, crowds waited for the sunrise (around 11:30 am!) Here you will also find the Blue Lagoon. The water filling the Silfra Fissure comes from a nearby melting glacier, meaning the water temperature is constant year-round. It started with just me and a backpack but now I have my husband and two little boys in tow theres a lot more luggage! Website by Heron. Reykjavik, the capital city of Iceland, is also its cultural heart. Its must-visit museums include the National Museum of Iceland, the Perlan Museum, and the rbaer Open Air Museum. If you have even more time, consider a stop at Icelands OTHER glacier lagoon. 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. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Here is how I adapted Icelandairs Fire and Ice itinerary for my trip: Day 1: Following arrival and transferring to Reykjavik via FlyBus, we arrived at our hotel, Midgardur Center Hotel, around 9 am. The main attractions are Thingvellir National Park, which becomes a winter wonderland, the Geyser geothermal area where you can see water bursting high above the snow-covered landscape and Gullfoss waterfall, which can be surrounded by ice. Raised as a third culture kid living in South America and Europe, Annick caught the travel bug early. Except for this time, it was a few weeks further into winter and the roads were actual ice. Visiting Iceland in Winter: Top 18 Winter Activities in Iceland On the other hand, gently slipping into one of the 45 dedicated springs is a far more calming experience on a cold winters day. When the lights make an appearance, the heavens will be filled with ribbons of vibrant colour. Theyre around all year, its just that in winter you see them the most and its darker! At this point, you are free to reserve your spot on various tours and excursions, as well as book your ticket to Iceland. Winter tyres are legally required in Iceland from November 1st to April 14th. One of the pros and cons of Iceland in winter is the light. All Rights Reserved, 40 Best Things To Do In Iceland: Ultimate Iceland Bucket List. Think it through carefully. Below youll find some of the best things to do in Iceland in winter, but also how to plan your winter Iceland trip in a way that will make it the best it can be! It is quite expensive and you need to book in advance, but luckily there are plenty of free natural hot springs and hot pools all over Iceland. When I was there they were accurate one night but I never saw them the other times it said they were about. 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. Therefore, many visitors opt for the darker but equally beautiful Katla ice cave on the south coast. It is a truly magnificent feature which sees glacial water cascade over two rocky steps, dropping a total of 32 metres into a dark canyon below. It culminates with orlksmessa (St. orlkurs Day) on the 23rd, celebrated city-wide with traditional food and loads of shopping. It is a very expensive country. The Northern Lights occur due to protons and neutrons of a solar wind becoming trapped behind the magnetic field of our planet. So much so that when the petrol light came on and our cards wouldnt work at the self-pump station we genuinely worried about running out of petrol and no one passing us! Make a backup plan if the stars dont align for you to see the northern lights. Show all photos Where to stay in Vik, you ask? You don't want to miss out! When these subatomic particles react with the earths atmosphere, they beam out in a visible colour. There's no way around it. Before you make your way through the lava fields of the Reykjanes Peninsula to the airport, you could have an adventure or two in the city. They are the only caves of this kind open in both the winter and the summer. Iceland in Winter - What you need to know - Epic Iceland 2022 After landing, make your way to the capital, Reykjavk, which is located about 45 minutes from Keflavk International Airport. For our brief trip in December, guided tours were definitely the way to go for a relaxed experience! On warm summer days, the temperature can reach 2025 C (6877 F). Your gut reaction will be to try and do everything, mine certainly was, but be realistic. At Thingvellir on the Golden Circle route is Silfra, a crack between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates thats one of the best places to snorkel and drive in the world. A beanie hat or a pair of fluffy earmuffs are thought of as a staple part of the wardrobe. Sometimes the best thing to do during the winter in Iceland is to stay put. And youre probably imagining yourself in some of the same scenarios youve seen others in and seen photos you want to take yourself. You have a day, Day 3, when you can opt for an alternative tour or activity. In short, it has been, and continues to be, one of the most important places in Icelandic culture, and makes for a fantastic stop for travelling history buffs. Though it is not very tall, the cascade is divided into two horseshoe-shaped falls, making it unique among Icelandic waterfalls. Heres why you should visit Iceland in winter! And who goes to Iceland and says they didnt like it?! Due to its location outside Reykjavik, it is best enjoyed either upon arrival or just before departure. What to Wear in Iceland in Winter and Summer: Ultimate Iceland Packing List Iceland has a relatively mild winter, particularly in the south and west, as a result of the North Atlantic Drift of the Gulf Stream. Check out more information about Iceland here: Happy travels,Annick, The Common Traveler, Updated on Mar 2, 2023 | Published on Mar 1, 2023, Updated on Feb 26, 2023 | Published on Feb 15, 2023, Updated on Jan 31, 2023 | Published on Jan 31, 2023, Updated on Feb 28, 2023 | Published on Feb 7, 2023. Those willing to accept the notion that a holiday in the cold is often just as enticing as one under the sun will find that there is frankly no better option than visiting this incomparable Nordic isle. Youll see them quite near the roadside in many locations, and theyre pretty friendly if you want to stop and take a photo. We spent two hours relaxing in the countrys first public pool. When driving in the winter, it is important to always drive at a low safe speed. Thankfully today, with our tourist culture, modern infrastructure and easy roadways, it is the beauty of this islands winter, rather than its potential danger, that defines ones holiday experience here. A viewing terrace provides 360-degree views of the surrounding area. It's my favorite to see as some of the falls can freeze during deep winter. We looked into the best camera settings for capturing the Northern Lights before we left and had them saved in advance to increase our chances of getting a good shot. The Discoveries Of is a member of the Amazon associates program. What an amazing photos!! Your email address will not be published. One thing you need to know about most cafs in Iceland, and Reykjavik specifically, are that they tend to transform come sundown. Gullfoss literally translates into . Technically (and legally), youre not allowed to dive into the spectacular hot springs of Iceland. But just what makes the Northern Lights so appealing? If you drive sensibly giving yourself time to get from place to place youll be able to see snow-covered mountains, huge waterfalls, and stunning landscapes and not stress. The closer you go to the middle of the period, the better the odds. Its lucky we did! Its become a well-photographed attraction, but due to its popularity the road has been closed and you now need to walk to see it, along with the hoards of other people who will be doing the same. There really is no better way to get rid of jet lag than relaxing with a complimentary silica mud mask in warm, mineral-rich waters. Previous local acts who have played Iceland Airwaves include the likes of lf Arnalds, Retro Stefson and Of Monsters and Men. You can only take a tour of the ice caves in winter, because of the danger of them collapsing. And here are the two watering holes you should visit. Both the South Coast and Golden Circle offer the best tastes of Iceland. A tripod is a godsend and we honestly dont know how we would have managed without one, especially as we were experimenting with some long exposure shots and its crucial if you want to try your hand at capturing the Northern Lights. The ocean warms up the coastal areas (i.e. If you are planning to see the Northern Lights, make sure to stop in at the fun and informative Aurora Reykjavik first. Well, youre in luck! At Geysir valley, the snow has more difficulty settling with any permanence. Iceland winter travel is very different to the other seasons and different to what you might be expecting. Daylight Iceland in January - 4h30 to 7h. The first time I went to Iceland I saw a very faint cloud that showed up as the Aurora in my friends camera, but to the naked eye didnt look like much. A famous grill market, this high-end restaurant presents itself as a dining experience set in the garden of Eden. The Hallgrim church is one of the most iconic sights in Reykjavik and is visible from so many spots in the city. Everyone survived but the wreckage was abandoned. But like many things about travelling Iceland in winter, you should undergo a little preparation to avoid disappointment! 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. Billy Connolly once saidIn Scotland, theres no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong clothes., and I can safely say this applies to Iceland too! Blending nature and cuisine here, you can feast on unique meat-focused dishes. I asked my Icelandic friends if this was normal, since the first time I visited it was October and there was far less snow, but they assured me come November its usually like this! The Nordic island of Iceland that sits in the North Atlantic Ocean should be on every travellers must-visit list! A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the ingvellir National Park, is a natural wonder and has historical significance. And, yes, experiencing these by bus, jeep, or even a massive 8WD all-terrain vehicle is fun. According to the Icelandic Meteorological Office, the winter in Iceland lasts for four months, from the 1st of December until the 31st of March. Share When looking for the best places to stay in Iceland, you may suddenly realise you've hit the destination jackpot. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. This might mean joining a Northern Lights Tour if you dont have a vehicle or looking up some likely locations in advance. There are several sites that can be used to get warnings about where and when the lights may appear that night. Below is my complete guide to the best areas to stay in Iceland and accommodation suggestions including: Where to stay in towns such as Reykjavik, Vik. If youve been dreaming of Iceland then youve likely looked at a LOT of photos of dramatic landscapes. Many of the countrys hotels also provide the option of waking you up in the middle of the night if the Northern Lights start appearing in the sky above. Your email address will not be published. It is possible to get car excess insurance as part of travel insurance, or in a separate policy online much cheaper than the ones offered by the hire company. The first thingand perhaps the most crucial to you personallyis to establish your budget. Icelandair Hotel Vk is a good deal. The Katla ice caves are located near the beautiful Reynisfjara black sand beach. To make the most of Icelands winter activities, check out my. Our first day left us struggling with Iceland a bit due to a snow storm and very little visibility. Plan to see just one or two of these, and maybe just to Jkulsrln on the Ring Road! Some ice caves are naturally created by water melting through the glacier, while others are artificial. Do you only have limited time here in the land of ice and fire? Required fields are marked *. 46F). 7 Days in Iceland: A Full One Week in Iceland Itinerary Diamond Beach in Winter. So yes, youre trading seeing some fabulous waterfalls for more icy adventures. Treat the Northern Lights as a bonus to your Iceland trip, rather than a requirement. Where to stay in Iceland (2023) - best areas + hotels - ZigZag On Earth You can visit any of the farms around Iceland, with Laxnes Horse Farm near Mosfellsbr and shestar Riding Centre in Hafnarfjrur the most popular. Unfortunately, Ive heard of people visiting Iceland in winter multiple times and still never seeing them! Open to the elements. Its a matter of personal opinion as to whether to Blue Lagoon is worth visiting. One attraction you cant miss in the north is Goafoss, the waterfall of the gods, which is among the most beautiful falls in the country. I was colder in Berlin in winter than I ever was in Iceland, and in wintertime, its warmer on average than the Eastern US. This vast lagoon is created by geothermal seawater. It is not as cold as some might think but wind and snow can make driving around difficult.
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