8 reasons why winter is the best time to visit Iceland
1. Winter is the best time to watch the Northern Lights in Iceland
It is generally agreed today that the Aurora Borealis is the most beautiful phenomenon that nature gave to humans. Northern Lights can be visible in any place in the world but the chance of seeing them far away from the North or South Pole is very rare. The best time to visit Iceland to admire the Northern Lights is the winter season.
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In Norway, Iceland, Greenland, Canada, and Alaska this phenomenon can be easily observed when the Sky is dark and clear. Even in these areas, it is not guaranteed that we can see the Northern Lights. The best time to observe these celestial lights is between September to the end of March, at night between 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. Winter is without a doubt a perfect season for Aurora hunting in Iceland.
2. Ice Caves and Glacier Walk
The Ice cave season is very short. If you are planning your trip to Iceland in winter you should not miss a chance to see one of the most extraordinary wonders of nature. This experience is truly magical. You can stand inside of the glacier, in the middle of the land of fire and ice.
However you should not discover ice caves on your own, it is too dangerous. We have decided to book our tour online with Glacier Guides. I have to admit that it was one of the best experiences we had in Iceland.
3. Hot Springs – Winter is the best Time to Visit Iceland
You can enjoy the hot spring in Iceland all year round. However, taking a hot bath in winter after a long day of sightseeing is incredibly relaxing. Honestly, this is one of the mandatory attractions during your stay in Iceland.
4. Golden Hour – Perfect light for your photos
During winter sun rises around 11 am and sets between 3 pm-4 pm, which gives only a few hours of daylight. Nevertheless, you can get the most magnificent light for your photos. During wintertime, Iceland turns into Winter Wonderland.
5. Winter is the best time to visit Iceland so you can avoid crowds
Iceland is getting very popular and even if you are planning your trip in winter it might be difficult to avoid crowds in the most popular locations. Despite this, some of the places we have visited were empty. During winter you can quietly enjoy the Icelandic landscape.
6. Winter is the best time to visit Iceland because it is cheaper than in the summertime
The flights, accommodations, and car rentals are much cheaper in winter than in summer. There are very cheap →Easyjet flights from →the United Kingdom to Iceland.
7. Icelandic horses look magical in their winter fur
In winter, the fur of Icelandic horses is much denser than in summer. This is to protect them against the harsh weather conditions prevailing during this period. Iceland horses are somewhat reminiscent of ponies. It is the purest breed of horses in the world because horses have not been imported to this island for 1000 years. When the Icelandic horse leaves the island, it will no able to return.
8. Iceland covered with snow looks fabulous
This country impresses at any time of the year. However, in winter some places look much more beautiful than in summer. The snow-covered mountains seem even more harsh and immaculate. White fluff covers all elements of the landscape, creating it unique.
Winter is the best time to visit Iceland, but where should you stay?
During our trip to Iceland, we stayed in 5 different locations which allowed us to see the most beautiful spots in the southern part of this country in a very short time. Within 9 days we had driven approximately 1300 km. Below you can see the list of accommodations, which includes private apartments, guesthouses, and hotels.
1. Cosy Private Studio Apartment
Address: Hraunbær 5, Hveragerði
Airbnb Host: Kristjana
Price: 202 euro/2 nights for 2 guests
Pros:
- Great location (close to the Golden Circle and thermal springs)
- The best-equipped apartment we have been to in Iceland. We had the opportunity to use the washing machine, and the bathroom had all the necessary things such as toothpaste or even body lotion. In the kitchen, we found many products such as coffee, tea, sugar, and even pasta.
- Key lockbox (self-check-in)
2. Fosshotel Nupar, Kálfafell
Check Fosshotel Nupar avaibility
Price: 230 euro/2 nights for 2 guests
Pros:
- Perfect location to admire the Northern Lights
- Hotel staff inform their guests when Northern Lights appear in the sky
- Huge windows allow you to admire the surrounding landscape
- Nice hotel decor
Cons:
- Far away from the shop
3. Lagafell Guesthouse, Grindavík
Price: 77 euro/1 night for 2 guests
Pros:
- Just 10 minutes from the Blue Lagoon
- Great location for the first day in Iceland. It is located 20 minutes from the Keflavik airport
- Cozy rooms
- A great host who will tell you what to see in Iceland
Cons:
- The guesthouse is not very impressive from the outside
4. Welcome Holiday Home, Evindarhólar – Winter is the best Time to Visit Iceland
Check Welcome Holiday Home availability
Price: 102 euro/1 night for 2 guests
Pros:
- It is surrounded by beautiful mountains
- Perfect place to admire the Northern Lights
- Located very close to hidden gem – Seljavellir Geothermal Pool
Cons:
- The nearest shop is 40 km away
- Poorly equipped (there was no hairdryer, coffee, or sugar)
5. The Capital-Inn, Reykjavik -Winter is the best Time to Visit Iceland
Price: 141 euro/2 nights for 2 guests
Pros:
- Cheap accommodation in the capital of Iceland
- Room price includes buffet breakfast
- The hotel is very close to the city center
- Large rooms
Cons:
- This place requires complete modernization, it looks very old fashion
- Women’s bathrooms were not equipped with hairdryers
- Hotel is overlooking the busy street
Winter is the best time to visit Iceland, but what should you pack for your winter trip?
Waterproof winter touch screen gloves
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