We’ve said for years that Iceland is truly an all-season destination.
For sure the Iceland experience in the winter is quite different to the summer and a good reason to have an Iceland holiday planner to help you out.
It’s Northern Lights, not Midnight Sun.
Shorter distances
Winter lends itself to shorter distances: it’s a great time to rent a four-wheel-drive and base yourself at a cabin or a hotel with a hot tub, rather than try to cover the country’s “circle road” and all of the main sights in one go.
It’s also a time of shorter days – but even though the days are short, many days will be sunny and clear.
The scenery is breathtaking all year round, Photo by our client Andrea Postma
But even with shorter days and shorter distances, there’s a lot of cool things to see, do and experience in an Iceland winter:
What is possible?
Go skiing – Iceland’s mountains are not as tall as in more famous ski destinations, but some time on the slopes can be combined with Iceland’s more unique winter activities. If you are a very adventurous person Halo skying is a possibility as well as surfing, snowmobiling, ice cave adventures and much more.
Skating on a beautiful lake – There is nothing like cold toes and cheeks after skating in a beautiful place and enjoying hot chocolate with cream afterwards.
Skating in the center of Reykjavik
Go dog sledding or snowmobiling – both are increasingly popular attractions.
Bathe in the North Atlantic ocean and heat up again in a sauna. There are people who do this, like me!
Sauna and sea on a cold winter day
Bathe in a geothermal pool – which is MUCH more popular than bathing in the ocean at this (or any) time of the year. There’s nothing like a warm outdoor swimming pool or hot tub on even the coldest or snowiest of days. Aside from a chilly 30-45 seconds to get from the locker room and into the water, it’s a delightfully comfortable experience.
Enjoying a drink in a warm tub watching the sunset on a winter day
Go to a concert in a beautiful concert house somewhere in Iceland with the locals – Icelanders love their culture, and Reykjavik also welcomes its share of international acts.
Enjoy meeting the Icelanders at their homes – we can introduce our guests to locals who share their interests or who can provide entertaining experiences.
Go snorkeling – Iceland literally has one of the coolest year-round snorkeling location on the planet.
Have a drink in a hot tub watching the Northern lights dance by. No words needed. It is simply spectacular.
The Aurora is a spectacular experience
Eat ice-cream in the snow. Unlike some places, Icelanders love their ice cream in every season. Have you ever had ice cream in a snowstorm?
Icelanders love their ice-cream during every season
Your Iceland holiday planner
Are you interested in being cool in Iceland during winter and want to start the conversation on your Iceland adventure?
Contact us and make an appointment for a chat on www.icelandunwrapped.com
If you would like to talk about starting your Iceland adventure please schedule an informal consultation here
Iceland Unwrapped is a personal travel agency based in Iceland. We work with businesses and individuals around the world on travel plans to Iceland. The focus is on personal approach, hidden gems and connecting with the Icelanders, Icelandic culture and nature.
