Most tourists visit Iceland during summer however, fall and winter are amazing seasons to visit the country. From September to February, prices are lower for almost anything from accommodation to car rentals and other travel expenses. Also, Aurora Borealis is absolutely spectacular during winter so tourists who want to experience its true beauty should consider visiting Iceland during the winter months. There are other activities tourists can participate in during fall and winter including Christmas celebration, especially since Christmas is extremely loved in Iceland, visiting Reykjavik for cultural experiences, nightlife and other activities including snowmobiling and horseback riding.
If you are convinced that visiting Iceland off-season is something you would like to do, here are some recommendations for your holiday:
Northern Lights During Winter
As we already mentioned, Aurora Borealis is truly spectacular during winter and you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to experience the nature’s spectacle as its true potential. Be prepared for green and red shades that cover the entire horizon and the magical daggers of lights that can be seen during the night.
Iceland is a great destination from where you can see the Northern Lights and if you plan to visit, this is an experience you will be able to enjoy while in the country. Since Iceland has a small population, you will be able to admire the Northern Lights from locations that are not crowded with tourists who compete to take the best pictures. You will be able to experience this amazing phenomenon in peace. Make sure you check the weather conditions since the phenomenon happens only during dark and clear nights. During the rest of the nights, you can enjoy the nightlife of Reykjavik. Also, note that during winter, Icelanders get only 4-5 hours of sunlight during the day and this can have physical and emotional impacts on people who are not used to this type of conditions. If you know these fluctuations will cause you troubles, consider visiting Iceland during spring and fall when daylight hours are similar to those in Europe and North America.
Reykjavik During Fall And Winter
Reykjavik is vibrant and full of life year round so visiting during fall or winter can be a great idea for those who want to experience the city while traveling on a tight budget. There are many activities tourists can experience in and nearby Reykjavik.
For example, Hafnarfjörður, a town located close to Reykjavik hosts an amazing Christmas Village that incorporates the most loved Christmas traditions from all over the world, such as caroling, costumed characters and trinket stalls with souvenirs and decorations.
On New Year’s Eve tourists head back to Reykjavik to take part in Bacchanalian celebrations, a wine affair that cannot be missed by those who love wine.
Those who want to relax while in Iceland can visit the Blue Lagoon spa situated in Reykjavik Peninsula. This geothermal spa is mesmerizing during winter and even though it remains one of the most visited tourist attractions in Iceland, it is definitely less crowded than during summer months.
If you love the idea of visiting Iceland off-season but winter is out of the question, fall is more than perfect, especially early September when visitors can participate in many countryside activities, such as horseback riding and various local events that take place before winter sets in. Visitors who are interested in more outdoor activities can also try various glacier tours, jeep tours, skiing, dog sledding and even fishing during both fall and winter months.
