Reasons to Visit Iceland This Winter

Many people, especially those that living in a colder region, flock to warmer places during the winter season. Popular vacation destinations include California and Florida, Mexico and Puerto Rico, and everyone’s favorite: Hawaii. While these beautiful destinations provide a much-needed break from the snow, it also ensures you’ll hit the worst crowds. If you are looking for a place to visit this winter to avoid the crowds – and the high prices – look to the North: visit Iceland. While you may think it defeats the purpose of getting out of the snow for the holidays, it is a well-worth trip to this winter wonderland. There are so many Reasons to Visit Iceland This Winter!

Reasons to Visit Iceland This Winter

A Break from the Crowds

If you visit Iceland for or around the holidays, you will be glad to hear that you will escape the crowds. Many people assume that it is much too cold to visit during the winter, but that makes it a desirable destination. Hostels often have free rooms, and you’ll find plenty of time alone with nature.

The Natural Wonder

In this world of technological wonder, it can be more and more difficult to escape into nature. If you want more than just take a hike once a week, head to Iceland and lose yourself in the unspoiled nature. It is almost a magical experience for visitors: from ice fields to blue ice caves and actual icebergs, you’ll feel absolutely lost – in the best way. See all these breathtaking sights with Iceland tours around the country. 

When you visit Iceland, make sure to find yourself beneath the Northern Lights. Also known as the Aurora Borealis, this unbelievable sight is at the top of many people’s bucket lists, so be sure to check it off yours. Avoid full moon nights when you go, and stay warm as you will not want to head back inside once you spot this gorgeous sight.

As you look forward to being awed by the northern lights and noted Icelandic sights, consider the “getting there safely and comfortably” aspect of your trip. For your vehicle rental, choose a campervan for winter travel in Iceland. It’ll be awesome for you and your companions to have a warm and cozy place like your camper to stay in and take you where you want to go in Iceland.

Winter Sports

If you want something a bit more exciting than losing yourself in nature, you can gaze up at the Northern Lights after having a fun day of skiing. It is a completely different experience from just seeing and photographing this natural beauty. You can choose backcountry or cross-country skiing, as well as mountaineering. While there are not large slopes for skiing downhill, you will find that the scenery makes up for this.

You’ll Stay Warm

Iceland is not as cold as you might think. In fact, its natural structure will keep you warm. When you’ve finished seeing the Northern Lights on a cold, snowy night and explored the Ice Caves until you froze, you can sink into the unseen warmth of Iceland’s hot springs. In the capital city of Reykjavik alone, there are 16 separate springs. You can swim comfortably no matter what the temperature is outside.

There are indoor activities in this country of natural wonder. There is plenty of nightlife in the capital city, as there is quite a bit of darkness in the winter and Icelanders simply love to party. For a history dip, the National Museum of Iceland has a vast collection of archaeological crafts – and a certain other unique museum will catch your attention as well.

Perfect for a Photographer

If you have a keen eye for photography, Iceland is the perfect location for you. During the winter months, Iceland has only a few hours of light per day – around 4 to 5 hours, so plan your trip well. The sun does not rise high above the horizon and hovers for a time and creates a soft golden light for your photographs. You will produce stunning photographs, and want to go back again and again.

Iceland is one of the best vacation destinations for those who do not want to go with the crowd. From Ice Caves and phenomenal lights to hot springs and nightlife, you will want to come back to Iceland every winter.

Author Bio

Marina Gilles loves to write about her travels. Seeking lesser traveled paths with a professed love of nature, she studied writing in college and always knew what she wanted to do with her life. Marina lives in Seattle, when she isn’t traveling, she likes to hang out with her boyfriend and her two dogs.