Exeter Hotel (Mid-Range) Located in the heart of Reykjavik, this 4-star contemporary hotel is the ideal accommodation for any Icelandic adventure. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions. One of the most popular things to do in Iceland is to drive the famous Golden Circle, and one of the best stops on the Golden Circle is Gullfoss. 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. Gullfoss waterfall makes up the third and final component of the Golden Circle sightseeing route. Straight to your inbox. We ate at Hlemmur Mathll, where you can opt for tacos, pizza, fish and chips, or bistro fare. When it comes to footwear, it is always best to keep practicality and comfort in mind. There are still tour busloads of other visitors to contend with, and we didnt go to the Blue Lagoon because it was booked it. We do this to improve browsing experience and to show personalized ads. 2) Food is expensive. Be aware that the maximum speed assumes perfect road conditions, so if you are driving in the winter, you should always be at a slower speed. Overall, there are 80 days of the year where snow falls in the city, but much of this will melt upon hitting the ground. And winter is the perfect time to explore everything that Iceland offers that may not be available during other times of the year. Make sure you are able to get the photo you want rather than the one you have to rush. 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! Thats not to say there arent plenty of other spas of this kind located across 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. Touring an ice cave in Iceland is magical, and an experience you definitely need to plan into your itinerary if you want to make it happen since the tours are so popular! Extreme, remember? You will start the second day of your 3 days in Iceland by paying a visit to the stunning Seljalandsfoss Waterfall! Where to stay along the South Coast. But youll only find that out once you know what the country showcases when the cold comes calling. 2nd Criterion - Daylight. Day 2 is long. Thanks!! Except If Iceland is anything, its extreme, and winter is when Iceland is when its at its MOST extreme. The Northern Lights occur due to protons and neutrons of a solar wind becoming trapped behind the magnetic field of our planet. A viewing terrace provides 360-degree views of the surrounding area. This 62-suite hotel has its lagoon with the same waters as the neighboring Blue Lagoon. 4. 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 resort is accessible to both beginners and experts and offers fantastic views of the surrounding mountains and ocean. Other locations one can easily visit in the winter are the Snfellsnes Peninsula, West Iceland, and the South Coast to Reynisfjara black sand beach. So while this tour will be long, it is perfectly paced between stops to make the day pass quickly. With the time difference, youll arrive home just a few hours after you leave, even though the flight time is close to six hours! Id love to go in summer as well to see what its like, although sandstorms are an issue then too haha. Option 2 - Where to stay in Hfn. Is it as good as everyone tells you? This doesnt mean, though, that one shouldnt be careful when driving in the city. Where you stay will depend on your budget, but everything from hostels to hotels and Airbnb are options. This might mean joining a Northern Lights Tour if you dont have a vehicle or looking up some likely locations in advance. 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. Day 3: We could sleep in before exploring on our own this morning. 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. When you choose gloves, make sure to grab the full-fingered style or mittens. For example, 780 krona = ~$7.80. In that time you need to know how to set your camera to make sure you can capture them because unless theyre really extreme a phone will struggle. Iceland is well-known for its famous lagoons. As the largest icecap in Europe, youll find it within Skaftafell National Park. Limited on time but still want to see a little bit of everything? Skiing and snowboarding, for instance, is becoming ever more popular in Iceland with each passing year. Therefore, many visitors opt for the darker but equally beautiful Katla ice cave on the south coast. 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. 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. Iceland is so beautiful in winter, but as you say a whole different ballgame than during the summer! 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. 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. 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. 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! 10-Day Winter Small Group Guided Tour of Iceland, Small-Group Sightseeing in South Iceland with Glacier Hiking, Katla Ice Cave in South Iceland | Available All Year Round, Golden Circle Super Jeep Tour with Snowmobiling on a Glacier, The Best Things to See and Do on the Golden Circle | A Practical Guide to Icelands Most Popular Sightseeing Route, Admission to Vk Baths Geothermal Spa in East Iceland, The Best Places to See the Northern Lights in Iceland & Other Helpful Hints, A Visitors Guide to the Midnight Sun in Iceland, The Ultimate Akureyri Travel Guide: 20 Best Things to See and Do, The Ultimate Iceland Budget Guide: How to Save Money on Your Trip, Icelands Top 25 Most Beautiful Waterfalls You Need to Visit, Beanie hats, scarfs and full-finger gloves/mittens. Basically, you should try a wide-open aperture, a high ISO and a long shutter speed with your camera on a tripod. The famous Hallgrmskirkja Church a towering structure reaches 244 feet and has been an iconic Icelandic landmark for decades. How many people are you traveling with? 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. Icelandair offered a direct overnight flight from Dulles Airport (IAD) to Reykjavik (Keflavik Airport KEF). Tours allow you to actually get inside beautiful ice caves and tunnels so you can see their beautiful blue colors and learn about the formation of glaciers. 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. This is why it is called Diamond Beach. There are several sites that can be used to get warnings about where and when the lights may appear that night. It is a really practical area to stop for the night - see the best rated accommodations in Vik The town of Hfn at the East end before continuing to the East fjords or turning around to drive back to Reykjavik - see the the best rated accommodations in Hfn You can visit any of the farms around Iceland, with Laxnes Horse Farm near Mosfellsbr and shestar Riding Centre in Hafnarfjrur the most popular. Book a night at this resort either at the beginning or end of your vacation before moving to or from a more affordable alternative. Some of these are set up for visitors to experience with a cave expert. This is especially true given its advantageous position between the capital, Reykjavk, and Keflavk International Airport. Required fields are marked *. Sign up for our latest Iceland Travel Offers. The attraction of this hotel is the unlimited access to both the spa and private lagoon. Sometimes its tempting to opt out of car insurance because you think you drive all the time and nothing happens, but Iceland isnt exactly your normal driving situation. You can rest assured that none of these natural hot springs come underrated. Website by Heron. In winter some attractions are closed, on roads that are closed, or just plain harder to get to in general. This dramatic, seasonal shift in temperature and aesthetic is clearly visible today, as it has always been. A good balance between daylight to see the landscapes and nightime to see the northern lights is great. 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. It is not as cold as some might think but wind and snow can make driving around difficult. Bigger names to have graced the festival include Fatboy Slim, Yoko Ono, Florence and the Machine and The Kills. 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. You might need to adjust your focus to manual to focus on the stars first. Lava Caves can be combined with other adventures, like Snorkeling in a tour called Black & Blue. Here are most of the citys bars and clubs located, which is perfect for those wanting to experience Reykjavks vibrant nightlife.tt. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. There are no worries about glare like in summer, the sunrise and sunset times can provide some magical moments for your memories and your photos. Golden Circle Full Day Tour From Reykjavik, Keflavik > Reykjavik Bus Airport Transfer, Full-Day South Coast, Black Beach & Waterfalls Tour, Jkulsrln Glacier Lagoon Full-Day Tour From Reykjavik, Golden Circle Small Group Tour With Secret Lagoon, snorkeling tour through the Silfra Fissure, Silfra Fissure Snorkeling Half-Day Trip From Reykjavik, Snaefellsnes Peninsula Full-Day Tour From Reykjavik, Snaefellsnes Peninsula And Kirkjufell Day Trip, Golden Circle & Blue Lagoon Small-Group Tour, Sky Lagoon Entrance Pass With 7-Step Spa Ritual. Some will stay open into October, just as the winter starts to creep in, but most will close-up shop before the snow settles. Another downtown highlight is the immense Oslo Christmas tree sent to Iceland as a gift from Norway each year. You can see where the European and North American tectonic plates are pulling apart at the visitors center. Daylight Iceland in January - 4h30 to 7h. 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. The coldest months in Iceland are December and January, where the average temperature for the whole island drops below freezing. We started the day at ingvellir National Park. Snorkeling the Silfra Fissure is a unique opportunity to see the geological formations surrounding the tectonic plates in a crystal clear environment. At the foot of the famous Eyjafjallajkull volcano in southern Iceland sits the Umi Hotel. Its not uncommon to see these majestic beasts during your visit to Iceland in winter, but going for a horseback riding tour is pure bliss. Diamond Beach in Winter. I promise Ill keep the phrase Iceland is magical to a minimum. This designated period was initially just for clerical purposes, to make the winter and summer seasons equal in length. It has in the past, elevated the careers of many unknown artists to the realms of superstardom. The roads in the capital and larger towns are usually cleared a few hours after it snows. 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!) The ocean warms up the coastal areas (i.e. 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. Youll tour the Golden Circle and Secret Lagoon today. Then come the enticing pools and imposing geysers of the Geysir Geothermal Park. Upon returning to our hotel, we warmed up in the geothermal spa at the hotel. Use a remote or set a 2-second timer to reduce the chances of bumping it. Tours of Reykjavik will inevitably include a stop at the city hall, Rhs Reykjavkur, an excellent spot to warm up! At least, Ill try. Everything here comes made of ice, from benches to the glasses your drinks arrive in. There are 2 main accommodation hubs along the South Coast: The town of Vik with its black sand beach. If you are planning to see the Northern Lights, make sure to stop in at the fun and informative Aurora Reykjavik first. PRO TIP: Capture sunrise from the observation deck at the top of Hallgrimskirkja but dont forget to come back for amazing nighttime shots! Iceland winter travel is very different to the other seasons and different to what you might be expecting. 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. Another ski resort, Hlarfjall, is found nearby to Akureyri. Lets be clear. subscribe and get 1 year for $21.99 $10. Manage your expectations and dont go expecting stunning views around every corner, sometimes it may be a little cloudy. When I was there they were accurate one night but I never saw them the other times it said they were about. This could be the highlight of your trip, as it is for many people. Iceland Seasons. From the early starts to the stressful drives, the cold weather and the annoying layers, and even the high cost of things there are many things to frustrate you about your trip. Stop 1: Seljalandsfoss Waterfall. This was the perfect way for us to start our Iceland vacation. At Geysir valley, the snow has more difficulty settling with any permanence. Laugavegur street is Reykjavks cultural centre. An iconic bar in Reykjavik and a guaranteed fun experience is sipping on tantalising cocktails served within a sub zero bar. Oh, and any lingering thoughts on when the best time to visit Iceland will also end, as there is a clear winner. 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. Located in the heart of Reykjavik, this 4-star contemporary hotel is the ideal accommodation for any Icelandic adventure. 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. A pint of lager can cost 9-10 and a main meal 20 at minimum (thats burger and chips in town). And the horses oh my goshhhhhh. Thanks for sharing this helpful info. I recommend making reservations. YES! Icelands oldest public swimming pool was developed as a place for Icelanders to learn how to swim. Insider travel tips and guides. Well, for starters, the magnificent citywide illuminations. During the winter months in Iceland daylight is somewhat of a rarity. Boots with a solid grip, ankle-high collar and insulated lining will always be the best bet, considering they are equally adapted to mountaineering as they are strolling through the streets of Reykjavk. The milky white water appears blue due to the silica content. With the sun out, the icebergs are sparkling against the dark sand. Tip: Due to the popularity of the Golden Circle, book this full-day tour from Reykjavik, which fits into any Iceland itinerary. Motor homes can accommodate 4 adults or a family with kids of up to 6 people. This platform, surrounded by a 20-metre spherical screen, takes you on a 9-minute flight across Iceland. 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.
Kazakhstan Mining Jobs,
Is Things We Never Got Over Steamy,
Articles W