Like many countries located at high latitudes, Iceland offers a completely different prospect to its visitors in the winter months compared to the summer. Daylight here is a rare commodity and the mood of the locals tends to dip with the sun and in the streets, even in the capital Reykjavik, locals are hardly flooding with energy.

 

The winter months do however offer a glimpse of magic – surprisingly at relatively mild temperatures. Perched on the balcony of the red and green lit Perlan (‘The Pearl’), the city streets are illuminated by the reflection of light in the crisp white snow. Stepping on the frozen pond near the town hall, which only yesterday was alive with waving water, encapsulates the metamorphosis that winter brings to this sparsely populated country. And, of course, the chance of witnessing the greatness of the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) ensures that every so often you can’t help but gaze upward in hope at the blanket of stars.

 

Shopping and eating in Iceland is entertaining but expensive in comparison to the UK.  Nature is the magnet that is starting to pull tourists with ever increasing ferocity to this thriving city.  Surprisingly well organised tours are always available to whisk you away from the centre of Reykjavik (or even your hotel if you are lucky) to sites and activities suited to all. 

 

A relaxing but mesmerising trip to the Blue Lagoon is a must for all first time visitors to Reykjavik.  Standing in waters at 40 degrees; icicles forming on your eyelashes; surrounded by snow-topped mountains partially fogged out by the rising steam is a surreal experience, and one not to be missed.

 

If you are trigger happy with your camera, but are not too adventurous, the ‘Golden Circle’ tour offers a remarkable crash-course of visual amazement offered by Iceland’s natural exhibits.  An inactive volcanic crater now filled with ice invites you into its open mouth if you’re quick enough.  A short drive later, you are brought to active geysers, one of which will regularly thrust boiling water many storeys high.  One of the geysers is the “Geysir” after which all geysers are called.  The tour also stops at Gulfoss, a magnificent waterfall, which can be viewed close-up by taking a short walk down a very icy path.  The tour finishes with a trip to the National Park where a breathtaking rift between the American and Eurasian tectonic plates can be seen.  Complemented by frozen rivers and a great mountain view, take the short walk if it is offered.

 

If you fancy the combination of real scenic beauty, an adrenalin fuelled sense of achievement and have a little extra cash to burn (which you’ll need quite a lot of even to eat well in Iceland), book one of the more extravagant tours offered such as the ‘Ice and Fire Walk’.  This tour and the many others available include activities such as ice climbing and ice cave walking.

 

Overall, Reykjavik in winter offers a real alternative to the more regular winter sun-seeking holidays.  Although on the expensive side, it’s well worth experiencing.  Next stop for me…Summer

Iceland – 24 hour sun!

 

Words by Andrew Reid