When the lights make an appearance, the heavens will be filled with ribbons of vibrant colour. Day 3: We could sleep in before exploring on our own this morning. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The winter equinox is between the 20th 23rd of December, while the summer equinox takes place between 20th 22nd of June. Sonja is from New Zealand but now lives in Scotland with her husband and little boy, after having lived in 5 other countries along the way including the USA, Australia, Canada, and Spain. 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! Day 4, sadly, it is time for you to go home. The bus tour includes so much! The Old Harbor area of Reykjavik is a charming area worth exploring. Theres nothing that quite compares to dipping oneself into soothing warm waters while surrounded by Icelands epic landscapes. Trust us; the promise of fresh linens and a warm shower will be hugely welcome after a long day exploring Icelands frozen wilderness. Finally, the third room will have you strapped into mesh seats atop a state-of-the-art moving platform. to visit. Tip: Due to the popularity of the Golden Circle, book this full-day tour from Reykjavik, which fits into any Iceland itinerary. 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. Roads being closed is another issue when driving around Iceland in the winter. The aurora borealis display is most visible between September through March. If you want to go whale watching or on a northern lights cruise, your tour will depart from this area. 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. Luckily, we ended up driving part of the same road again, this time with clear skies we were able to take in the landscape and experience everything wed missed, it really took our breath away. 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. You will start the second day of your 3 days in Iceland by paying a visit to the stunning Seljalandsfoss Waterfall! 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. And yes, its bucket-list worthy, but Iceland in winter is no lighthearted affair! Located in the Old Harbor area, Fly Over Iceland is an immersive ride where views of the best Iceland has to offer surround you. How to Plan a Camper Van Trip Around Iceland 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! No one can blame you solely for visiting Iceland to explore its captivating landscapes. Expect to spend at least 280 (INR 25000) per day for a couple. Finally, you will need to pack a suitable scarf to protect your neck and lower face. But, one of the best things to do in Iceland in winter is delve into the countrys culture and heritage. In hindsight I wouldnt have been so ambitious with travelling so far. Theres nothing wrong with taking pictures on your phone if you have one with a fairly up to date camera, and it will yield you some great resultsbecause ultimately Iceland is stunning and amazingly picturesque. The season ends on the 6th of January with a massive fireworks display and bonfires. Getting around Iceland can be expensive, because youll either need to take a tour or hire a car to get the most out of your experience and theyre not the cheapest, and even if you opt for lower-end accommodation itll still be more expensive than many other European destinations, and you still need your own sleeping bag! I feel like our trip was a great success now. This includes accommodation costs, car costs, fuel costs, 1-2 day tours, mid-range meals, and groceries. This was the perfect way for us to start our Iceland vacation. For example, it's only light in November from 10 am - 4 pm and in December it drops to as little as 5 daylight hours. The Best Places to Stay in Iceland - Luxe Adventure Traveler We hired a small hatchback assuming the roads would be clear because my first trip to Iceland in October it was. Enough small talk. The tradition of bathing in natural baths and hot pots goes back to the initial settlement of Iceland. The bus transports you to the bus terminal downtown before being separated into various minivans taking you to your accommodations. Show all photos Where to stay in Vik, you ask? Well, for starters, the magnificent citywide illuminations. In many ways, both Iceland and the character of the Icelandic people have been defined by its long winter months. We definitely had some hairy moments too! 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. This is different from the rest of the world where winter lasts from December through February. With the time difference, youll arrive home just a few hours after you leave, even though the flight time is close to six hours! But nothing can compare with the countrys main attraction the dazzling and mesmerising Aurora Borealis. Day 1: The tour included transportation to Reykjavik on the FlyBus, which takes approximately one hour. And whats dinner without a view? Both the South Coast and Golden Circle offer the best tastes of Iceland. Just because its dark and snowing outside doesnt mean your holiday has to lack any of the fantastic and memorable experiences that have made Iceland one of the worlds top visitors destinations. Aside from witnessing the many steaming hot pots and mud pools, guests mainly arrive to see the explosive Strokkur (churn). 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. 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. Use a remote or set a 2-second timer to reduce the chances of bumping it. Because of the frequent volcanic eruptions, lava caves have formed. Welcome to Magic Ice Bar, located in the citys downtown just off Rainbow street. Iceland looks so amazing, I hope to get a chance to go someday! 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. Here are our top picks for your trip: Top Experiences And Tours In Iceland: Golden Circle Full Day Tour From Reykjavik (Likely to sell out!) Visit these two culinary highlights. Obviouslybut how cold is Iceland really? He is the author of Hidden Iceland (2020). This stage is, arguably, among the most important steps before driving to the airport, given that winter travel requires essential items to be in your suitcase. This was an excellent way to learn more about geology and how the 30 volcanoes have transformed Icelands landscape underneath it. And thats precisely where FlyOver Iceland comes in. We capped off our day with a visit to the Sky Lagoon, Reykjaviks newest lagoon. The biggest area where you can tighten the purse strings is your food and alcohol budget. So yes, youre trading seeing some fabulous waterfalls for more icy adventures. A multi-sensory experience, this flight simulation ride brings everything youd hope to see to life breathtakingly. 5 days in Iceland: The Best Winter in Iceland Itinerary I recommend making reservations. There are no specific locations or regions in Iceland where the Northern Lights are sure to appear, so always keep your eye to the skies! And winter is the perfect time to explore everything that Iceland offers that may not be available during other times of the year. Your email address will not be published. Here's what this three days in Iceland in winter itinerary contains: Tips on how to get to Reykjavik + where to stay. While booking a tour with Traveo, you can reserve a time-slot to visit this world-famous geothermal spa. 46F). Be careful, though, because the paths can be frozen and slippery. There are 2 main accommodation hubs along the South Coast: The town of Vik with its black sand beach. 3 days in Iceland in winter itinerary: snow, spas & auroras! 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. If you thought that travelling to Iceland in winter would mean leaving your bathing suit at home then youd be very mistaken! 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. I bet when you tell your friends and family youre planning a trip to Iceland in winter, a few puzzled gazes will await you. Iceland winter travel is very different to the other seasons and different to what you might be expecting. Though getting into glacial waters of Silfra fissure in the winter seems like an excursion only for the fool-hearted, the dry-suit you will be provided with will keep you warm. What should you include in your Iceland winter travel plan? Once you join the main tour bus, youll begin your 9.5-hour tour of the most popular tourist area from Reykjavik. The Ultimate Winter Itinerary for Iceland. Expect at least one impromptu dance party, no matter when you visit. The more darkness you find, the clearer you can see the Northern Lights. During the day, Kaffibarinn is a fantastic coffee shop, and at night, it takes on a nightclub feel. For an additional 40 Euros, we were able to check in early. As an empty-nester, Annick enjoys sharing her tips for traveling for those with champagne taste and beer budgets. Open since 1974, the closest ski resort to Reykjavk is Blfjllapproximately 30 km southeastand comes complete with 15 kilometres worth of skiable slopes. The roads in the capital and larger towns are usually cleared a few hours after it snows. Its a relatively small island in the North Atlantic Ocean after all! Have a look at some other wonderful winter destinations in Europe. Except If Iceland is anything, its extreme, and winter is when Iceland is when its at its MOST extreme. Your car should come equipped with winter tyres free of charge if you rent from an agency during this period. Location, photos, and booking. On the one hand, this means more time to potentially see the Northern Lights, YAY! 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. You can only take a tour of the ice caves in winter, because of the danger of them collapsing. Its still one of my favourite places ever, and what made me fall in love with Iceland in the first place. At this point, you are free to reserve your spot on various tours and excursions, as well as book your ticket to Iceland. 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. 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. 2 Day Ice Cave Tour with South Coast Waterfalls & Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon 3-Day Northern Lights Tour of Iceland's Golden Circle & South Coast with Ice Caving & Glacier Hiking 8 Day Guided Northern Lights Winter Tour of the Complete Ring Road of Iceland See all tours Option 2 - Where to stay in Hfn. This is especially true in the winter when forced to drive at slower speeds. Tip: Most museums and other cultural attractions come included on a guided walking tour of Reykjavik led by an actual Viking. We used the Iceland Metrological Office Aurora Forecast. We use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. But why not opt for a stunningly unique way of exploring? The warmest months in Iceland are July and August when the temperature averages around 10-13C (50-55F) in settled areas. Your camper van needs to be able to comfortably fit you, your travel companions and your stuff. From your table, youll also have some stunning scenery to gawk at. Keep in mind that this hotel is quite far from Reykjavik. 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! I want to go to Iceland so badly but this was seriously SO helpful. To see this beautifully rugged country in the winter months is an experience that youll never forget. Day 2: Our Golden Circle & Secret Lagoon Tour kept us busy all day. However, there is a notable difference between each corner of the country. Required fields are marked *. Want to include a bit of luxury while still being budget conscious? Iceland is so beautiful in winter, but as you say a whole different ballgame than during the summer! 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. Icelandair offered a direct overnight flight from Dulles Airport (IAD) to Reykjavik (Keflavik Airport KEF). Thankfully, Traveo has several competitively priced excursions that wont dent your wallet too dramatically. Aesthetically pure. Due to the underground volcanic activity, Iceland enjoys geothermal waters that supply swimming pools all over the country. Midrange Option: Center Midgardur Hotel. We returned around 1 am and slept like babies! 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. Are you thinking about visiting Iceland in the winter but arent sure what to do? If you want to see it for yourself and its not blowing a gale like when we drove past the newly built parking area then, of course, you should go, but 100% do not expect to get photos of it with no one on it, unless you visit super early, super late, in bad weather, or use photoshop! Of course, do your best to put yourself in a situation to see them. The silica content also makes the water appear blue once the sun reflects. All Rights Reserved, Prices in Iceland: How To Figure Out Your Iceland Trip Cost. Everything has an app or website now and the same can almost be said for the Northern 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. Visit the Gullfoss. Therefore, many visitors opt for the darker but equally beautiful Katla ice cave on the south coast. But all of it is very much worth it. When I was there they were accurate one night but I never saw them the other times it said they were about. The chance to see the Northern Lights, otherwise known as the Aurora Borealis, has long been one of Icelands biggest draws for international guests. 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. Where to Stay in Iceland (2023 How to not Freeze) This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. There are multiple viewpoints from which to observe Gullfoss surrounded by wintery beauty, so make sure to keep your camera at the ready. This is why it is called Diamond Beach. plus, the 2023 hot list. Driving in Iceland during the winter requires a deeper level of focus and attention as it means youll have to deal with snow, rain, sleet, ice, and strong winds. Icelandic winters are commonly associated with unbearably cold temperatures. Lava Caves can be combined with other adventures, like Snorkeling in a tour called Black & Blue. Do check the website, though, because it is a functioning church that closes to visitors during services and other occasions such as funerals. From one side the mountain looks steep with a flat top, and from the other, it looks rounded. 2. The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user. Alternatively, you can ride an Icelandic horse in the winter-landscapes in the outskirts of Reykjavk. At Geysir valley, the snow has more difficulty settling with any permanence. 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. Sounds mad. Daylight Iceland in December - 4h30 to 5h. When you choose gloves, make sure to grab the full-fingered style or mittens. Another ski resort, Hlarfjall, is found nearby to Akureyri. Here you will also find the Blue Lagoon. If you cant see the real thing in person, you can also experience them at Perlan (where you can also experience something like an ice cave) or Aurora Reykjavik at the Old Harbor. Langjkull Glacier can be explored in multiple ways. Known as the "Land of Fire and Ice," Iceland is where some of the largest glaciers in Europe can be found. Thanks!! Share When looking for the best places to stay in Iceland, you may suddenly realise you've hit the destination jackpot. Our first day left us struggling with Iceland a bit due to a snow storm and very little visibility. At least, Ill try. Pretty enticing, am I right? Opt for a glacier hike, snowmobiling on the glacier, or even a mountain truck or super jeep adventure.

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