Winter in Iceland brings a precise type of experience, from chasing the shape-shifting Northern Lights to trekking thru caves of glacial blue ice. Despite its chilly name, the Land of Fire and Ice is no longer inhospitable to wintry weather wanderers. As quickly as it’s no-go from the central highlands, the Ring Road, that paths the coast, stays open all year. Remember, though, that you’ll want studded tyres to pressure the Ring Road, plus a willingness to rapidly alternate your plans in harsh weather. Of course, you can keep away from the dodgy riding prerequisites by way of adhering into the cities or reserving on a tour. However you select to do it, right here are the pinnacle 5 locations to go in Iceland in the winter.
The pleasant region to start your go to to Iceland in the winter? Reykjavík
Reykjavik cityscape in Iceland
Having a normal January daytime temperatures of 0.5°C (similar to iciness temps in New York) there’s nothing stopping you from packaging your parka and going into the world’s most northernly capital.
In the city, multicoloured rooftops are dwarfed by using the creature spire of this concrete-clad Hallgrimskirkja church. One of numerous avant-garde structures which make Reykjavík a remedy for these who have a thirst for design.
Food is plenty higher than you’d believe; the New Nordic panorama throws up spins on common dishes like reindeer and puffin. Restaurant Dill used to be awarded Iceland’s first Michelin big name remaining year.
Old fishing factories in the Grandi Harbour are now hipster cafes, restaurants and breweries. Enrol at”beer school” at the Bryggjan Brewery to study about their techniques as you style the craft beers.
You require a relaxation in the booze, go in search of orca, humpback, and minke whales on a boat tour in the Old Harbour, which run yearlong.
A springboard for the Golden Circle, you can day-trip from Reykjavík into the website online of the older (outdoor) parliament, or the implausible Geysir waterspout.
To get a greater energetic — and surely bloodless — trip, snorkelling and scuba-diving are on provide even in mid-winter. Within day-reach is dip mecca, Silfra. Here, the water flowing between two tectonic plates hovers completely round 2-4°C.
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Then get a feel for Icelandic surroundings in Snaefellsnes
Even the Snaefellsnes peninsula is now and again regarded as”Iceland in mini” thanks to the various panorama of glaciers, lava fields, and black and gold beaches.
Inside the Golden Circle, it’s solely a two-hour power up from Reykjavík and makes an handy day trip.
Clamp on your crampons and begin with a guided climb of the Snæfellsjökull volcano’s glacier. Hard work however well worth itthe 1446m summit climbs above the clouds, to furnish views of snowy peaks stretching in the North Atlantic ocean.
Walk to the south to descend — this time, via a subterranean spiral staircase into the historical Vatnshellir lava tube.
One of Iceland’s most dazzling natural wonders, the caves kind in the ice as soon as it starts to soften the summertime, carving out areas in the glacier which continue to be suspended winter.
You are going to want a guide to direct you — clean caves are fashioned yearly and your information will recognize the place to go. Most will kind you out with spikes, ice axe, a helmet and make the most (appearing like a hardcore explorer is an more bonus).
Take 1/2 a day our from caving to end via a iceberg-filled lagoon, the seven-square-mile Jökulsárlón, one of the nation’s most photogenic places. Boat excursions give up at iciness however you can wander round it any time, marvelling in the icebergs’ geometric artistry.
Base your self close to Skaftafell, section of the Vatnajokull National Park and 4 hours east of Reykjavik. Find a resort or homestay with giant home windows so you can gaze out at the glaciers over breakfast.
Set out to contact the Artic Circle in Akureyri
It may be brushing the Arctic Circle on the other hand Akureyri, the’Capital of the North’, is on the map due to the fact a yearlong destination. Direct flights in the UK launched this 12 months which makes it simpler than ever for to.
Weather here is clearly like Reykjavik. What’s more, for such a very small metropolis it is exceptionally lively, with high-quality eating places as properly as some nightlife.
Sample neighborhood beers at Ölstofa Akureyrar and then devour at Strikið, on the pinnacle ground of this Skipagata 14 building, overlooking the mountains and fjord.
Just outdoor Akureyri, in Eyjafjörður, you’ll discover that the very special turf homes.
A one-hour power away is Mývatn, the place naturally heat water is pumped into rock swimming pools — best for a enjoyable dip. Subsequently pace matters up with a dog-sledding day at close by at Heiði farm, the place you’ll be pulled by using cuddly Siberian huskies.
Hunt the Aurora in the East Fjords
There’s a feel of solitude with this 75-mile stretch of coastline. The East Fjords stretch from Berufjörður from the southwest, to the small fishing village of Borgarfjörður Eystri from the northwest.
As simply 3.2% of Iceland’s populace stay spherical the far flung fishing villages, farms and woods here, there’s little mild pollution. That normally skill the northern lights ought to be a lot less complicated to spot.
Fly to Egilsstaðir and push into the city of Seydisfjordur, the place pastel colored Norwegian-style houses are tucked in between mountains and the fjord.