Because of the filtration process that the water undergoes as it moves through the lava fields, the water that emerges is crystal clear and incredibly clean. Honeymoon In Iceland: A Complete Blissful And Romantic Adventure! Best Place To See Aurora Borealis In Iceland: Winter in Iceland is exactly when ice caving begins to become almost perfect, and exploring them is just the experience you need to make the most of your holiday. The peak view season for Northern Lights is from September to March. How do Icelanders celebrate Christmas and the New Year? December is one of Iceland’s coldest and darkest months. With just four hours of sunlight in the weeks around the winter equinox, you will have plenty of opportunities to hunt for the Northern Lights in the twenty hours of darkness each day. The roads are covered with metres of thick snow, so much so that the road signs may be completely covered. Continue... See a selection of wonderful photographs that capture the magic of the Northern Lights throughout Iceland. The views from this glacier are spectacular. Reply Subscribe . December is, in fact, widely considered to be the second-best time to visit Iceland because of the explosion of Yule Tide joy. from. After heavy rains they often flood, which can compromise their structural integrity, and if that happens, the tour will only be conducted if it is safe. By going down this route, you'll avoid the city's light pollution; to sweeten the deal, you'll be able to find vantage points with no one else around. In the winter in Iceland, the temperature generally hovers around freezing— ranging between -1° and 4°C (34°F and 39°F). I had the same issue a few years ago while planning my epic New Year’s Eve trip to Reykjavik and the surrounding area such as Vik and Thingvellir National Park.. At the end of the day, deciding what to wear in Iceland in winter is a big challenge for some travelers. In winter, however, its appeal only increases; how many people can say they swam in Iceland in the middle of winter? itemMargin:0 With just the right amount of chill, it offers the most incredible experiences for a holiday like none other. Iceland in December is magical. The museum presents an excellent opportunity to enjoy the high spirits of Iceland in December. downscale_only: false, $('#metaslider_50011').metaslider_scale_layers({ The Christmas Spirit here is infectious, and it's a great place to shop for some unique presents. Photo from Leidarendi Lava Tube | Cave Adventure from Reykjavik. }); While you might not come across too much snow, the thrill of speeding on the ice for almost an hour is perfect for doing some sightseeing and indulging in adventure at the same time. Timings: 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM every dayLocation: Nordurljosavegur 9, 240 Grindavík, Iceland. Cost: $76 to $284 depending on the tour you bookDuration: 1 hour to 9 hours. Did You Know? Eur. The same low-pressure system that moves through Iceland in autumn continues into winter, so remember to wear warm clothing and sturdy shoes wherever you go. During the season, the hip town centre turns into a fairytale Christmas village. This is because there’s low visibility, limited day light (about 4-5 hours), and frequent windstorms in winters. pauseOnHover:true, Even today, Ásatrú, the Old Norse religion, makes up around 1% of the religiously affiliated population. }); There are guided museum tours at 13:00, and a Christmas service in the turf church at 14:00. Also in this area, you have a chance also to see pilot whales, which are quite hard to spot, and even beaked whales. You can check on both of these components on the website of the Icelandic Meteorological Office, in their Aurora section. 259954 ISK. The weather in December in Iceland ranges from 30-39 fahrenheit. Located in Southwest Iceland, the Gullfoss Waterfall in the south is a treat for the eyes. It is pleasantly cold and bearable and being the darkest month, the days during this time are the shortest and nights extremely gorgeous. This is certainly the easiest, safest, and most stress-free option; you won’t even need to drive from Keflavík International Airport to Reykjavík! To stay warm and dry make sure you bring the right gear: Waterproof gloves, a hat, and a scarf Warm layers Waterproof and windproof parka Thick sweater (wool or fleece) Swimsuit (winter is the best time to bathe in the hot springs) Polarized sunglasses; Winter boots The most common species is the white-beaked dolphin; this acrobatic animal travels in pods and exhibits behaviours like breaching and bow riding. A. var timer_metaslider_50011 = function() { 18 Best Places To Visit In Sikkim In December 2021: Find Exciting Experiences. Netherlands In October: A Guide To Witness Painted Naturescapes And More! Even bars host Christmas concerts and shows. There are just two conditions that make for a perfect view: high solar activity, and very little cloud cover. She is a cannibal, alongside her third husband, Leppalúði, who is several centuries older than her, and more likeable. The entrances to both are wide with steps that lead to wooden pathways. reverse:false, Can I still take tours? The two best places for winter whale watching in Iceland are Faxaflói bay in Reykjavík and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. The temperature ranges from 2.2°C to … The advantage of an Ice Tunnel tour, however, is that it is less likely to be cancelled because of hazardous conditions. Tickets to the museum can be bought on location or through the purchase of a Visit Reykjavík City Card, which gives you access to museums and galleries across the capital. In Icelandic, and related Scandinavian languages, the holiday is called 'Jól', which echoes the yule of English. They can explain the phenomenon to you, answering all of your aurora-related questions, while helping you with your camera settings. Pick Your Reasons And Plan A Trip Now! After resting in the tranquil waters until you're fully recharged from your flight, you’ll reach Reykjavík, and settle into your hotel. So the itinerary below outlines a trip comprised of tours and packages instead. $(e.target).closest('a').length) { Glacier hikes are excellent because of the view, but it's so much more than that. December is considered off-season in Iceland so make sure to explore all accommodation options. We will also call you back in 24 hrs. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g189952-Activities-Iceland.html It is nonetheless possible to book this 6-Day Guided Winter Package to south, east, and north Iceland, and this Winter 7-Day Self Drive Tour to the north of Iceland. The splendid views of the golden water against the mountains is breathtaking and the cafe offering hot soups here only adds onto the experience, making it a magical moment. You Can Take The World’s Only Active Volcano Tour In Iceland! before: function(slider) { Choose between a multitude of tours, or rent a 4WD car and drive yourself (more on this below). With the temperature ranging from -1°C to 4°C, December in Iceland is pleasantly cold and bearable. Those who want to enjoy the season outside of the capital region could head to Óbyggðasetur Íslands, the Wilderness Centre. layer.css('cursor', 'pointer').on('click', function(e) { During winter time days get shorter in Iceland with less light because of the country´s high latitude. From comfy stay to fine dining by the riverside, this hotel also boasts an opportunity to witness the northern lights from here. Christmas in Iceland is a celebration of light, as the days start getting longer after the winter solstice. orig_width: 300 If you want to drive out of the capital and into the country, it's absolutely essential. Visit Reykjavik in December to especially watch the Northern lights. True to its name, the geothermal spa sea water here looks too blue only during the winters, which only enhances the beauty of this place. Suggested Read: Bali In December 2018: 10 Experiences Which Will Make The Most Of The Wet Season! timer_metaslider_50011(); A writer at heart with the soul of a traveler is pretty much who she is. A versatile jacket that’s preferably warm, a windbreaker, and a rain jacket in … However, the north is more exposed to the cold compared to the south which is experiencing relatively tolerable climatic conditions. While it is always fun to visit Iceland, it has been my experience that the real benefit is the incredible natural beauty of the country. Winter in Iceland might not be the best time to spot wildlife, but is definitely a great time to witness the 23 types of whales like mink and humpback. On New Year's Eve, Reykjavík also hosts a 10-kilometre run. In that case, combining a few packages will allow you to create a perfect combination of city and nature. Read ahead for all you need to know about visiting Iceland in December. It can feel rather frosty outside the city because the wind is quite harsh, so we recommend you don’t get tricked by these seemingly mild temperatures. Picture from Into the Blue | Snorkelling Day Tour. and set them off pretty much wherever they want to, but the most popular spots are Hallgrímskirkja and Perlan. Some of the tips to keep in mind when planning a trip to Iceland in December are to plan your holiday and make the bookings in advance, pack a good amount of layers, make a list of things to do there, carry your medicines, and more. A. How has Guide to Iceland changed since its conception? You can always see what roads are open on road.is, but the roads may close while you're on them, so we really don't recommend self-driving in winter. Southern Lights: Have You Heard Of The Aurora Australis? Because this will be your last opportunity to immerse yourself in the Icelandic countryside, however, you'll combine it with another tour, like whale-watching, horse-riding, snowmobiling or snorkelling; the choice is yours. If you seek a more personal experience, however, there are many private tour options. Grýla has an enormous black cat, the Yule Cat, which also eats children, but only those who aren't given clothes for Christmas. On days 5 and 6, you'll take a two day trip to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. minItems:1, Dress in layers and ideally wool and wear a windproof and waterproof outer layer. ISK. To take this tour, therefore, you must be over sixteen, at least 50 kilogrammes (110 lbs), and 150 centimetres tall (4'9"). Iceland. Your fourth day in Iceland will be spent enjoying Reykjavík further. This will mostly affect the 24th, the 25th, and the 26th of December, as well as the 31st of December and the 1st of January. Iceland has mild winters due to the warming effect of the Atlantic Gulf Stream. $('#metaslider_50011 .msHtmlOverlay').each(function() { Admire them, by all means, but keep over thirty metres away from the water’s edge because of the notorious sneaker waves along this stretch. 40 Game Of Thrones Locations That Are Equally Spectacular And Dreamy In Real Life! Of course, this option should only be taken by confident drivers and you should have a good knowledge of the potential routes you are planning to take so you don't end up in a bad situation. If you don’t feel comfortable driving in Iceland in December, you can choose from an array of tours. Snuggle up inside warm cafés, stroll the snowcapped streets, explore the impressive countryside and admire the Northern Lights at night. Sunrise is around 11 AM and sunset between 3 and 4 PM. Jun 1, 2018 - Explore Illana Bergstrom's board "Iceland in December" on Pinterest. Some of these are conducted in a Super Jeep, which allows you to reach places that cannot be accessed by larger buses, ensuring that there are no crowds at the places you'll stop. Of course, no activity is without its risks, and snorkelling in Silfra is no exception. The area features the turf houses and churches of old Iceland, with staged areas showing the ways in which Icelanders of various economic backgrounds traditionally celebrated. Though this tour will not take you down the entire south coast, you'll still be able to see the majority of notable sites on the way, like Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, which might be frozen! Protective glasses, if you err on the side of caution, are sold around the city in the lead up to the night; common sense dictates that it's sensible to protect yourself when nearby or using fireworks. WEATHER IN ICELAND DURING WINTER It is safe to say that Iceland is literally a winter wonderland. Cost: $34 to $422Duration: 1 hour to 9 hours depending on the tour you book. Are we crazy to go then? Clearly, Iceland in December has a lot in store for its travelers. They're sneaky, but not necessarily frightening (this depends on your outlook: one troll slams your doors, while another steals milk from your cows and another peeps into your windows. Similarly, New Year’s Eve in Reykjavík is the city’s most lively and exciting night. Do you want to know what the weather is like in April? 94 Best Honeymoon Destinations In The World In 2021 For A Romantic Escape! During your dive, drysuits keep you, well, dry, while thick undersuits will stave off the cold; wetsuit hoods and gloves, if used, let the water in, but it warms quickly. itemWidth:300, Location: Austurbakki 2, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland. In just over a week, you will get to see the Golden Circle, the South Coast, Jökulsárlón, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and you have the choice either to use a free day to explore Reykjavík or to fly to Akureyri and see the sites around Lake Mývatn. Will there still be snow in April? The Snæfellsnes Peninsula Tour. There is no doubt that being the darkest month of the year, December is the best time to look for the gorgeous Aurora Borealis. With the Christmas season, the city of Reykjavík comes to life with entertainment, and many tours still run out into the country, meaning there's still quite a lot to do both inside and outside of the city. In terms of daylight, this day is 17 hours, 1 minute shorter than on June Solstice. Are there waterfalls all around the country? And the combination of dark, cold, and wetness can be a real downer. But it is recommended to pack a … You can take any regular Iceland winter tours that leaves around 1 in the noon from Reykjavik and witness some of the never-seen-before marine creatures. nextText:">", The heated seawater in the lagoon makes it a perfect place to take a bath with your beloved. Icelanders hold the biggest Christmas gatherings and exchange gifts on Christmas eve. This settlement has deep ties to folklore and tradition, and its residents go all out. The routes are well lit, and the height of the caves means that you don’t even need to stoop to move through them. Europe - Iceland in December? Iceland's consumer price inflation rose in December after easing in the previous month, figures from Statistics Iceland showed on Tuesday. The temperature in January is … Despite the cold weather and short hours of sunlight, December is actually a great time to visit Iceland. Whale watching in December is a rewarding experience. A. A second option is to take your rental car (or your car) and go out in hunt of them yourself, using the Icelandic Meteorological Office's website to find the best areas. This is a great month to hit the slopes, wander a holiday market, and ring in the new year with a fireworks display over Hallgrímskirkja. Today's Posts. From relishing the breathtaking natural wonders to trying out adventurous activities, this country makes all kinds of travelers happy and keeps them excited throughout their trip. }); Shorter and darker days isn’t necessarily a bad thing. You can also take Northern Lights cruises out of Reykjavík. There are normally 0 hours of bright sunshine each day in Reykjavik, Iceland in December - that's 9% of daylight hours. Because lava rock is very porous, the water that seeps through them freezes into stalactites and stalagmites. TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5/5Location: Laekjargata 2a, 101 Reykjavík, IcelandWebsite | Reviews, Suggested Read: 15 Free Things To Do In Europe For Backpackers And Budget Travelers. The popular Golden Circle, Iceland's South Coast to Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and the Reykjanes peninsula are all mostly accessible. The two areas you need to consider more than anything else are the weather and the roads. If you've never driven in snowy or icy conditions before, or aren't comfortable doing so, it may be worth it to skip a rental car, and instead take tours around the country, letting the experienced take the wheel. And of all the places, the Blue Lagoon is the best one to visit. Iceland in December: Travel Tips, Weather, & More Dark and chilly, December brightens up in the weeks leading up to Christmas and New Year's Eve, attracting visitors to Iceland's festive villages and towns. These excursions are led by experienced guides who don't only know Iceland's roads and road conditions well, but are also very knowledgeable about the aurora borealis. Ireland: Get Your Mittens Out In The Winter Solstice. Book your complete trip with the best companies only. The best vantage point is, without a doubt, Hallgrímskirkja, the large church that overlooks the city—though no matter where you are in the city, you're sure to get a decent show. Sólheimajökull can be reached with this easy day tour, Sólheimajökull Glacier Hike, as it is located on the south coast between Skógafoss and Vík. In mid-December the sun rises as late as 11:20 AM and sets at 3:30 PM in Reykjavík. What are the most stunning glacier lagoons in Iceland, and are there any hidden where you can avoid the crowds? Apart from Gullfoss and Blue Lagoon, Iceland is home to a lot of stunning places and a sightseeing tour is the best way to make sure you don’t miss out on witnessing any marvel. 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