ICELAND
ICELAND
Winter:
Remember to bring all the layers in winter! It’s freeeeezing! Also, bring crampons if you can.
You only have a slim window for daylight hours so bring a packed lunch. Cook breakfast + dinner in your Air BnB (saves money too!)
Some spots may be closed in winter so do your research before going there.
January to March is the best time to see the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis)
They’re also dependent on cloud coverage and weather. Make sure to check the Aurora forecast for your days ahead to see when they’re most visible.
I spent 5 days there but could have spent months. I definitely wouldn’t say it’s a weekend away kind of place.
we stayed in Air BnB’s and one hotel called Foss Hotel.
Don’t forget a credit card if you are renting a car and be careful in icy conditions!
Summer:
this is the best for me (I’d highly recommend either mid summer for the midnight sun and puffins or September as you’ll get lovely mild weather and also a chance of the northern lights. whales are still about also.
you’re able to get to the highlands in summer (but you still need a 4 x 4.
waterfalls are better to see in summer as they’re more accessible (easier to get to and behind them because they’re not icy)
roads are easier to drive on and less likely for crazy winds.
What to do:
whale watching (Husavik (north sailing) , Reykjavik and Akureyri.
blue lagoon
snorkelling/diving silfra
Myvatn lakes (walks)
Myvatn hot springs
ice caves
glacier hiking
waterfalls (Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Gullfoss Falls, Goðafoss Waterfal (there’s an east and west side), Dettifoss
puffin tour
whale watching
Where to eat:
hygge bakery
le kock (burger)
the coo coos
reykjavik roasters (3 locations)
skal
sumac grill
deig workshop (doughnuts and cruellers)
baka baka (bakery + pizza in the evening)
mokka
fish and Chips, Husavik
If you’re looking for specifics on certain waterfalls and canyons I visited, click here for the post I wrote on this! I’ve also included some delicious food recommendations as well!
And the question I got the most…Is Iceland expensive?
To be honest, I don’t think it was much worse than most other European countries. We didn’t eat out all the time and we drive ourselves as I mentioned I spent just under €1500 for everything for my first trip in January with two friends. then, solo in August it was more expensive, it’s peak season so flights were 500 return to Dublin with play, the van was 1600 for 10 days, then add fuel, food and activity expenses to that.
And as they say, travel is the only thing that makes you richer :)
