A sneak peek at Iceland and all it has to offer, no matter the time of year
Iceland has an active volcano, stunning landscapes, and is the perfect location to see the aurora borealis or Northern Lights. It is a land of extremes, and nothing encapsulates that better than its dramatic scenery and seasons.
Winter Months
The perfect time of year to spot the Northern Lights is between September and April. But there is sadly no guarantee you will see them, as clear skies are essential, and the lights can be difficult to see in built-up areas like Reykjavik. I’d recommend using a specialist Northern Lights tour company during your stay, as the guides will ensure you are at the right place, at the right time!
Due to Iceland’s location the winters are long and dark, so you’ll have very short days. During the winter solstice in mid Dec you can expect only 4 hours of daylight a day, with temperatures averaging -1c (30F). So be prepared to wrap up warm! But don’t despair, this country is used to the darkness and you’ll still have plenty to see and do.
One lovely tradition in Iceland is that people give each other books as gifts on Christmas Eve. It’s called Jolabokaflod, which roughly translates to the ‘Christmas Book Flood’. I can’t imagine anything nicer than curling up with a good book while watching the Northern Lights sparkle overhead!
There are plenty of things to do during winter, with glacier hikes, skiing, snowmobiling, whale watching, and exploring Reykjavik, which is reasonably clear of snow due to the geothermal heat pumped into the city. Visit the iconic Hallgrimskirkja church, picturesque old harbour, and the bustling downtown. The National Museum of Iceland is also a must for history and culture enthusiasts!
If you are a Game of Thrones fan, you might find some of Iceland’s landmarks familiar. Reynisfjara with its basalt columns was used as a location for Dragonstone.
Here are my top five Winter activities:
- Blue Lagoon/Sky Lagoon – both these geothermal spas are spectacular. The Blue Lagoon is iconic with its blue milky waters, but the Sky Lagoon has outstanding views of the ocean and is less expensive.
- Golden Circle – A loop of the key sights of Iceland. Includes the Pingvellir National Park (UNESCO World Heritage site), spectacular rainbow-covered waterfall Gullfoss (golden waterfall), and the mighty Strokkur geyser.
- Breidamerkursandur (Diamond Beach) – where icebergs from Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon wash ashore, creating a surreal scene of glistening ice scattered across black volcanic sand.
- Michelin Starred Restaurants – You can, of course, visit these three restaurants any time, but Ox, Dill, and Moss (at Blue Lagoon) will certainly brighten up your winter nights with their delicious and award-winning food.
- Icelandic pottery – take a piece of the volcano home with you, Icelandic Glit pottery uses lava in its glaze!
Summer Months
The delights of an Icelandic winter are well known, but the summer months are also not to be missed! Especially, as you will have more daylight hours to explore this wonderful country. Iceland is the land of the midnight sun, with only 4 hours of night in the height of summer, most of which is actually a beautiful twilight rather than full darkness. But despite all the extra daylight, the temperatures in July are between 13c (55F) and 20c (68F). So not exactly tropical, and you’ll need plenty of wind/wet weather-proof layers.
Here are my top five summer activities:
- Reykjadalur (Hot spring river) – Situated amongst beautiful countryside, take a walk and a dip in this pleasantly warm river.
- Festivals – Iceland’s summer is filled with festivals! Enjoy Rejkavik Pride with rainbow-painted streets, Viking reenactments, Music and culture festivals, and even a lobster festival!
- Viking age sites – Visit Snorralaug (Snorri’s pool) – the first Viking to have a home spa! Or visit Þjórsárdalur, a replica of a Viking age farmhouse.
- Ponies – these sturdy ponies came over on Viking longships, and you’ll still see them in fields all over Iceland today. If you’re very lucky, you might see some of the local elves and trolls too – look out for offerings outside miniature doorways.
- Whale watching – regular boat trips run throughout the year, but peak season is during the summer.
Wedding Night With Her Viking Enemy
by Lulu Morris
If you fancy reading some Viking-age romances set in the dramatic landscape of Iceland, then pick up my Eriksson brothers series on Amazon:
