Just hearing the country name ‘Iceland’ might give you chills, but all the natural wonders on the island will make you forget the cold completely. Volcanoes, glaciers, waterfalls, the Northern Lights: get your camera ready to capture some great shots as everything is amazing in Iceland. In addition, you can warm up in no time in the countless hot springs and spas. This is your sign to visit Iceland in winter time!
Mild winters
Iceland is really not as cold as the name suggests. Granted, the island is near the North Pole, but winters are relatively mild. The temperature fluctuates around 0 degrees Celsius (32 degrees Fahrenheit) and is therefore comparable to that in Amsterdam, London or New York. Any good coat will go a long way.
Friendly prices
Iceland is a relatively expensive country, but fortunately prices drop considerably in the winter. The biggest expenses will be renting a car and accommodation, but you can book both for half the price in winter. Meaning more money to spend on excursions or hot chocolate.
Fewer tourists
You don’t have to squeeze in between hordes of people at a volcano or stand in line for a photo of the falls. Although Reykjavik is still well visited in winter, Iceland is relatively quiet in the winter months. When staying in hostels, it’s entirely possible that you’ve got the dormitory alone.
Photogenic light
There’s only five hours of daylight in the Iceland winter. A drawback? Maybe, because you need to plan your activities more precisely. But there’s also an advantage: because the sun is low in the sky, everything gets a soft, golden glow. So if you enjoy photography, the Icelandic winter is your moment to get some glorious shots.
Magical landscape
The special landscapes of Iceland become even more amazing due to the winter weather. From vast snowfields to clear blue snowy glaciers, semi-frozen waterfalls and icebergs. It’s no surprise that wintery Iceland is a popular set for movies and tv shows such as Interstellar and Game of Thrones.
Northern Lights
Pretty much every traveller has this phenomenon on their bucket list: the Northern Lights. This mesmerizing light can be seen between September and April, but it’s best to get there as soon as possible.
Blue ice caves
If you want to discover these world-famous ice caves, you have to invest a little. Although the tour is a bit pricey, you will get to know a unique phenomenon of the whimsical fairytale blue ice caves. Due to its great popularity, it is best to book a month in advance.
Cute ponies
Be prepared for lots of affectionate Icelandic horses! These cuddly four-legged friends like to pull your sleeve for some attention. In the winter they grow an extra thick coat, which makes them look even sweeter. Win-win: while they enjoy your petting, you can warm up your hands!
Heated springs
What could be better than a warm bath after a snow walk? Iceland is bursting with geothermal springs that you can visit all year round but are probably most enjoyable during the winter. The famous Blue Lagoon is only blue in winter: in summer it is greenish.
Opener image: Hao Wu/iStock