Iceland In Winter: What You Need To Know

Especially in winter, Iceland has privileged landscapes, so much so that they seem out of a story. The nature composed of volcanoes, glaciers, geysers, canyons, fjords, mountains, northern lights, waterfalls and incredible beaches invites you to fully enjoy this or any other time of the year.

Whether in spring, fall, summer or winter, we assure you that you will marvel at this great island. Next, we will tell you about the alternatives to take advantage of your stay in Iceland despite the cold.

What is Iceland like in winter?

At this time of year, snow covers the black lava fields and gives us amazing views. In addition, the diaphanous dark sky at night is interrupted by dancing green, white or red lights that are part of an incredible natural phenomenon: the northern lights.

What you should know about the country and winter

After Great Britain, Iceland is the second largest island in Europe and the youngest country in the world. It is located 286 kilometers from Greenland – the nearest neighboring country – 420 kilometers from the Faroe Islands, 795 kilometers from Scotland and 950 kilometers from Norway.

Iceland lies within the Arctic Circle, and half of the land mass of Grímsey – an island off the north coast of Iceland – is as well. Despite this, it is located in a “hot spot” that is located in the middle of the Gulf Stream that heats up from Mexico, which results in relatively warmer winters than in other European countries.

This does not detract from the fact that you have to be prepared with warm and special clothing for the climatic conditions of Iceland, since the Gulf Stream makes it, at least, a little less cold, but it does not get warm. Nor should you forget some good, comfortable shoes appropriate for the snow or for the activity you are going to do.

The winter season covers the months of September to April, although the first two months and the last two of this season are more bearable because winter is coming and going.

High mountain roads are closed by dense snow and, where you can circulate, you must be careful. In this sense, it is important to clarify that driving in the snow is something that is not recommended, unless you have experience.

What to do in Iceland in winter

Iceland in winter is ideal for Nordic skiing, and you do n’t even have to go far from Reykjavik – the Icelandic capital – to see amazing landscapes. If you visit this country during this time, you can see the northern lights and glaciers, climb on ice, visit incredible ice caves, enjoy the unique hot springs or ride the typical sleds carried by Siberian huskies .

See the famous Northern Lights

In the winter season you can be dazzled by one of the most wonderful natural phenomena, which are the Northern Lights. Many organizers offering this experience are constantly looking to ‘hunt’ the Northern Lights, that is, they try to find the best locations to see them.

Although the most desolate places are the best, in the vicinity of Reykjavik it is also possible to see the northern lights on occasion, and even from there. Of course, being a phenomenon of nature, there is never a 100% chance that they can be seen, and that is why it is recommended to spend at least a week if you really want to witness it.

Ice climbing and hiking

Adventure lover? Well then ice climbing is for you; And the best thing is that it can not only be done in winter, but at any time of the year. Of course, in winter you have the plus of climbing ice waterfalls.

Climbing takes place mainly on the Sólheimajökull and Svínafellsjökull glaciers in southern Iceland. You can also go hiking on, for example, the Snæfellsjökull glaciers in the west, and Vatnajökull in the east.

Something you should know is that, whether for hiking or climbing, you must be accompanied by a professional guide and, probably, have experience in the discipline. Walking tours can often be complemented by other tours, such as jeep safaris or boat rides on a glacier lagoon.

Natural ice caves

What else could surprise you too much besides the Northern Lights? Ice caves with a beautiful blue color are undoubtedly one of them. Near the Vatnajökull glacier, every winter incredible natural caves are formed that, when summer comes, disappear.

For that reason, in winter you can see caves of different sizes and shapes, and even the amounts are not always the same. The Vatnajökull Glacier is located approximately 250 kilometers from Reykjavik in the south-east of the country, near Höfn.

Thermal waters

Throughout the year, Iceland’s hot springs are available to enjoy and relax like never before, but this improves even more in winter. The most visited place for this is the Blue Lagoon (photo below) , which is usually combined with other activities such as boat trips in the bay or horseback riding.

You can also visit the Secret Lagoon in the southeast, which is the oldest in Iceland. If you want to avoid crowds, the Mývatn natural baths are perfect for this. Another recommendation is that, if you go to the Golden Circle, on the way do not miss the geothermal baths of Fontana.

Iceland is amazing

If we were to briefly describe Iceland, we would simply say that it is amazing. Iceland is naturally fascinating. At any time of the year, you can marvel at this place.

Winter, meanwhile, presents unique landscapes that will make you live unrepeatable experiences. Whether you see the Northern Lights, go ice climbing, visit amazing caves, relax in the hot springs or do any other activity at this time, you will remember the beauty of Iceland in winter.