It's fantastically warm (the sheep need to protect themselves from the cold, too!) Learn about the most famous waterfalls in Iceland, the best waterfalls to visit, and the stories behind them. But Iceland is home to the world-famous Silfra Fissure, one of the greatest snorkeling sites on the planet. With each sighting, they reveal a new version of themselves. Find the best travel insurance for you with these U.S. News ratings, which factor in expert and consumer recommendations. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content. If you have a car but want to stay close to the city, consider driving less than 20 miles out toward snow-capped Mount Esja, which provides a splendid backdrop for the light show (but hiking on the mountain is not recommended during aurora season due to icy conditions). Hiking the country's glaciers is an amazing experience. Northern Lights Minibus Tour from Reykjavik Including Free Photos. These include the Arctic Tern, Greater Scaup, Tufted Duck, Gadwall, Common Eider, Common Ringed Plover, Whooper Swan, and many more. In fact, the name Reykjavik translates to smoky bay because of the plumes erupting from local springs. While specific northern lights tours may put more of a focus on tracking down the aurora with tour guides keeping an eye on forecasts, any multiday tour could offer a peek at the natural light show if conditions are right. There's no overall consensus on the best place to spot the lights (in large part because of the abundance of options), but here are a few particularly notable places to see the aurora borealis in Iceland. Out of all the places to see the Northern Lights, Iceland is arguably the most popular destination. The solar winds that cause the northern lights occur throughout the year, but it's not visible when the sky is bright. The Icelandic waters are home to numerous whale species, including humpback whales, orcas, minke whales, blue whales, sperm whales, and fin whales. Iceland is home to fascinating geologic formations, welcoming locals (as long as you are a respectful visitor), and stunning natural experiences. If you have a valid drivers license in the Latin alphabet, you can rent a car and hunt for the northern lights yourself. Besides your camera, the most important piece of kit to bring is a sturdy and reliable tripod. You ease yourself into a natural hot spring, feeling the water warm your cold fingers and toes. The idea of diving and snorkeling in Icelandmight seem strange, maybe even unbelievable, especially during winter. What's more, the majority of Icelands natural hot springs are in the countryside, away from the city's light pollution. The shore is full of ice boulders that capture and reflect the glow of the Northern Lights for an even more magical experience. After the events of Ragnark, it is said that the world will be born anew, strengthening the ancient themes of birth, death and rebirth. If you plan to drive the route yourself, make sure you rent a car that's well-equipped for wintry road conditions: 4X4s Jeeps or SUVs are a good idea to help ensure your safety on possibly slippery roads. Anything missing or inaccurate? Recent visitors enjoyed the range of activities on offer around the hotel in addition to the restaurant, noting that although the menu options are limited, the food is divine. 71. Alternatively, you can join a Northern Lights minibus tour or the Northern Lights and Stargazing small group tour from Reykjavik. Book a room with a veranda for a private viewing of the lights show. There are also many awards handed out to those who have helped promote Icelandic literature and language over the last year. Early November still has around eight hours of daylight each day, but that reduces fairly quickly over the course of the month. It's fun and fascinating. Because Earth's magnetic energy is strongest at the poles, it causes the solar particles to discharge and release energy in Earth's atmosphere. If you want to visit a certain placebut can't find an accessible route, consider booking a tour instead of driving yourself. Its location near the Langjkull glacier means stellar views during the day too. The temperature means that the roads are often icy. Past visitors praise the tour guides' local knowledge but note that the viewing points may also have other tour groups present. Get a vacation. Since the weather in November is wintry and unpredictable, the roads can be dangerous. Photo fromThrilling 8-Hour ATV & Lava Caving Trip to Raufarholshellir with Transfer from Reykjavik. Most well-known sites and many tours are still accessible in Iceland in December, and some activities, like ice-caving tours and northern lights hunting, are at their peak. There are plenty of things to do in Reykjavik with the Christmas season in December. These excursions are led by experienced guides who know Iceland's road conditions well and are also very knowledgeable about the aurora borealis and where to find them. Book your tours. From hard-sided to soft-sided, check in the top picks for your next adventure. Sites such as the Grotta lighthouse and some of the city parks are sometimes dark enough for a good display within the city limit. This gives you an excellent of the night sky. Every year on the Winter Solstice (December 21),the Imagine Peace Tower on Videy Island is relituntil December 31. Although midwinter probably offers the best chance of catching the aurora, some people recommend viewing it around the spring or fall equinoxes that is, around March 20 and Sept. 23 (these dates change slightly each year). But don't forget that the nights at these times are shorter than in midwinter, so your daily window for seeing the northern lights will also be shorter. Use a tripod to keep your camera steady and a shuttle release, too. How to See the Northern Lights in Iceland, From volcanoes to glaciers, Iceland offers many opportunities to view the stunning northern lights. Can't wait to go back again. The trip was amazing! It's essential to set a strict time to wake up in the morning and go to bed in the evening to avoid a seasonal slump. These conditions make for an extraordinary snorkeling site. Even if youre only visiting the capital, you still have a chance to see the northern lights in Reykjavik. Even though the Northern Lights are technically always there, the best time to see them is during winter between October and March. Grotta Lighthouse. Your guide will tell you how to safely and correctly operate the snowmobile and will provide you with thermal outerwear, helmets, and gloves. In fact, November is as good a time as any to purchasea "lopapeysa", atraditional Icelandic sweater. How many people can say they swam in Iceland in the middle of winter? First, you can stay in Reykjavik and try to spot them in its darkest places, such as Grotta Lighthouse or Klambratun Park. The northern lights (or aurora borealis, in more scientific terms) are one of the biggest draws to Iceland. Photo from Exhilarating 1 Hour Snowmobile Adventure on Langjokull Glacier with Transfer from Gullfoss. These range from single-day (or night) tours to multiday packages with accommodation and meals included. On the Langjokull glacier, you can also visit human-made tunnels that have been carved in the most stable part of the glacieran ice castle inlaid with ice sculptures and individual rooms. per adult. Photo from Unique 11-Hour Glacier Hiking and Ice Cave Tour Under Katla Volcano from Reykjavik. There are two-day tours available where you can come to this gorgeous location to watch for the Northern Lights. But the darker your surroundings, the more intense the colors will be. We recommend always checking the road conditions before you drive. In November, the average temperature in Iceland's capital, Reykjavik, hovers between a brisk 33 F and 46 F (between 1 C and 8 C). The aurora borealis can only be seen when it's dark enough, and the sky is clear enough. All rental carsin Iceland have studded tires during the winter. Northern Lights and Stargazing small group tour, Your guide to doing Iceland's Golden Circle from Reykjavik, Mud masks, spa treatments, relaxing soaks: All you need to know about Icelands Blue Lagoon, Whale watching in Iceland: A guide to getting up close and personal. The fastest dogs can pull the sled at speeds of up to 20 kilometers per hour. 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. However, its impossible to know the forecasts more than a few days in advance. Day Trips. Age limits for dog sledding in Iceland vary from company to company, but the standard age is generally around 16 years old. However, if children behave badly, they just get a measly potato in their shoe. But it's still as popular as ever, so if you can't book tickets to the Blue Lagoon, consider hitting out one of the best swimming pools and hot tubs in Reykjavik. If you really want to get away from everyone, consider skipping stops along the Golden Circle and head to some of Iceland's less visited areas. Each one has a name that is derived from their personality. They may even sit everyone down in the bowels of the cave and instruct you to turn off your headlamps to experience the pitch-blackness surrounding you. He was one of the founders of the Icelandic-language journalFjolnir,published in Copenhagenbetween 1835 and 1847. We'd love to read about your time here in the comment box below. The fines for driving on a closed road are enormous,and you could end up stranded in the wilderness. 83.69. Better food for more people. In our ultimate guide, find out all you need to know about Iceland in April. You'll go ice caving, take a complimentary northern lights bus tour or cruise, and choose between horse-riding, snowmobiling, or snorkeling. California Do Not Sell My Personal Information Request. You also need to check the aurora forecast in Iceland. While they cant compete with the capabilities of DSLR cameras, here are some apps that can help you get a few decent shots: These apps either lower the shutter speed or compile a series of photos together to create one shot. 83.69. It maintains a constant temperature of two degrees underground, so it doesn't freeze until it reaches lake Thingvallavatn. Due to this slumbering myth, it is thought that some Smi people, even today, will not go outside when the northern lights dance above. Featured photo credit: Andrs Nieto Porras via FlickrThis post was originally published in November 2018, and was updated most recently in November 2022 for this winter. Discover the very best things to do and places to see in Iceland in October. For example, a fuller moon will dim the aurora. In winter, its appeal only increases. Choose between five- and eight-day tours and know that these excursions may carry up to 40 people. Suggest edits to improve what we show. The northern lights are one of nature's most magical sights, but they're also one of the most unpredictable. You can partake in numerous tours that take you to the best northern lights spotting locations, such as an affordable Northern Lights Bus Tour that takes you far away from the city's light-pollution, or a Northern Lights Boat Cruise that allows you to witness the auroras out on the open sea. While it's possible to view the lights in August, you may be better off avoiding that month since the nights are shorter, reducing your overall chances of catching a glimpse of this splendor in the sky. Since the Blue Lagoon is away from the city, theres less light pollution than in Reykjavik. Not only will they be able to take you directly to the best places to see and photograph the lights, but they'll also offer handy tips and advice on camera settings, focus, and perspective. Its Aurora Adventure tour, which takes you to a nearby glacier, is a popular way to go searching for the Northern Lights. Northern lights tours are much more successful, and many bus, boat and jeep tours depart from Reykjavik. There are 27-day forecasts available, but take note that solar activity can occur rapidly and may not factor into such predictions. There are four common ways to see the northern lights in Iceland: Well cover each of them below, starting with the best places to see the northern lights in Iceland. The northern lights (or aurora borealis, in more scientific terms) are one of the biggest draws to Iceland. You can drive to the lagoon along the Ring Road from Vik or find one of the black sand beaches of South Iceland to enjoy the view of the lights dancing across the sky. If you are an already experienced surfer, reach out to the local surfing community in Iceland. Admire them, by all means, but keep over 100 feet (30 meters) away from the water's edge because of the notorious sneaker waves along this stretch. Choose between a wide range of tours, or rent a four-wheel drive car and drive yourself (more on this below). You can also take a snowmobiling tour. Even if you've consulted the northern lights forecast, seeing the solar activity can be a waiting game. To maximize your chances of seeing the northern lights in Iceland, we always recommend a guided tour. Youll want to keep an eye on the weather and pack plenty of warm clothes. The ambitious could even do these two as a combined nine-day winter Snaefellsnes and South Coast self-drive package. When you come here to see the Northern Lights, you have a chance of photographing two amazing works of nature at once. If you're keen on exploring Iceland's great outdoors, a fantastic option is to go glacier hiking. Klambratn and Oskjuhlid are excellent spots as the trees in the area block out most of the city lights. The second followed the fallout of the 2008 financial crisis. How cold is Iceland in December? First, you can stay in Reykjavik and try to spot them in its darkest places, such as Grotta Lighthouse or Klambratun Park. These tours are very convenient and head straight out to the bay ofEyjafjordur or Faxafloi bay from their respective towns downtown harbors. Locals buy fireworks in bulk from the Icelandic Search and Rescue organization (to fund them!) You could be trotting throughgrassy farmlands or snow-covered meadows, crossing frozen stretches of land or flooded rivers. The northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis,are the visible result of solar particles entering the Earths magnetic field and ionizing high in the atmosphere. Despite the occasionally cruel temperatures, tour operators are on hand to provide you with thermal wear that makes outdoor activities, such as winter horseback riding, scuba diving, or glacial hiking, just as comfortable as they are in summer. How has Guide to Iceland changed since its conception? Its remote location means many guests see the northern lights during the winter. Once that's sorted, it'll betime to pick a horse and head out into the Icelandic countryside. Seeing Iceland from this perspective is a beautiful thing to behold. All this and more in our ultimate guide to visiting Iceland in December. This glacial lagoon is adorned with icebergs, which break off from the huge Vatnajkull glacier to the north. Northern lights tours are much more successful, and many bus, boat and jeep tours depart from Reykjavik. In fact, the name Reykjavik translates to smoky bay because of the plumes erupting from local springs. You can also get a transfer from Gullfoss waterfall for a 1-hour snowmobiling adventure. Water running underneath the glaciers opens up tunnels within them, allowing visitors to explore the fantastical world inside an ice cap. Learn everything you need to know about visiting the ice caves in Iceland. 140. from . You won't even need to drive from Keflavik International Airport to Reykjavik! A five-day tour explores the south of the country, including an ice cave and black sand beach, as well as a northern lights boat excursion from Reykjavik; prices are roughly around the $1,000 mark per person. Otherwise, watching from one of the citys parks, such as Klambratun, Hljomskalagardur or the more expansive Laugardalur Park, are good choices. Northern Lights Private Tour in Super Jeep Local Expert Guide With Photos. It is said, that those who fail to heed these warnings will be pulled up into the sky, forever trapped among these nocturnal spirits. There are a number of different snowmobile tours to choose from, on glaciers such as Langjokull, Myrdalsjokull, and Trollaskagi("Troll Peninsula") are just a few options. Which mountainsare the most beautiful mountains in Iceland, where are they located and what kind of mountains can you find in Iceland? This 5-hour glacier hiking tour offers everything you would want from a glacier hike in the beautiful Skaftafell Nature Reserve. To make the most of your vacation, check the Visit Reykjavik website for Christmas opening hours of various shops, restaurants, and other venues in Iceland from November onward. Learn about the weather, the best places to visit, fun thingsto do, and what tours to embark on from our wide selection of December tours. The choice is yours. You can also go on a horse riding tour with transfer from Reykjavik, which keeps planning very simple. The Northern Lights in Iceland in October. If you have little experience driving in snowy conditions and rural areas, you may feel more comfortable on a guided tour. a partire da . They're almost impossible to catch from May to September because of the midnight sun. The best way to see the northern lights in Reykjavik is the same as how to see the northern lights anywhere else in Iceland. Still, heathen practices persisted even after its formal adoptionand were sanctioned by the law if "practiced in secret." We would like to show you a description here but the site wont allow us. However, its possible to see them in, Northern lights tours in Iceland are absolutely worth it! This is six times more than in October, but still only half as much as usually falls in December. You may also see the elusive harbor porpoise and perhaps even a group of great orcas. On days five and six, you'll take a two-day trip to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Htel Hsafell also offers a complimentary aurora wake-up service so you don't miss the show. There are springs of all sizes, from Kvika Footbath, a tiny pool near the Grtta Lighthouse perfect for dipping your feet in, to the Blue Lagoon, Icelands largest and Driving in Iceland can be dangerous, and you'll need to be particularly careful if you plan to leave the Ring Road, as these roads aren't usually gritted. Leaving from Reykjavik's Old Harbor, these Special Tours excursions provide expert guides and complimentary overalls to keep you warm. 71. The weather and road conditions may limit access to North Iceland, East Iceland, and especially the Westfjords. Some Native American groups reportedly believed the aurora represented the spirits of the dead. Icelanders hold the biggest Christmas gatherings on Christmas Even and traditionally exchange gifts after dinner. However, please note that while there are no changing facilities in the area, as Kvika is only designed as a footbath, entry is free. Sign up for a Northern Lights Cruise that takes you out to sea to view the Northern Lights. Whales are very common off the coast of Iceland, so it's practically guaranteedthat you'll spot some of the marine life that thrives in these waters. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Tour operators ensure you're safe and provide you with all the equipment you'll need for your descent, including crampons and a helmet. You'll have the opportunity to see its many diverse features and landscapes, such as Mount Kirkjufell, Snaefellsjokull glacier, and the Londrangar sea stacks, as well as the chance to go seal watching and lava caving. The boats depart the harbor at Reykjavik in the evening and head straight to Faxafloi Bay where they drop anchor. Indias largest Food Delivery, Dining and Restaurant Discovery Service. So when Christmas Eve rolls around, Icelandic children will have already gotten 13 small presents in their shoe! Bus Tours. Since it is away from the city center, you can avoid ambient light. Eldborgahraun is a lava area in southern Iceland with an altitude of 211 meters above sea level. Others may not be so generous. per adult. The northern lights have long been known to the Scandinavian people, inspiring some of the greatest and longstanding tales to have ever come out of Norse Mythology. If the sky is clear, aurora activity is high and you're viewing it from a dark area, free from light pollution, the northern lights in Iceland might last for 1-2 hours. The lighthouse is only accessible during low tide via a sandy bank, so The northern lights have long been known to the Scandinavian people, inspiring some of the greatest and longstanding tales to have ever come out of Norse Mythology. Experience the flavors of South Florida at the top places for seafood, views and more. Visitors marvel at the vast, cathedral-like spaces and vividly-blue water. Shops stay open until 10 PM from December 15 until December 23. Snow is piling up around the country, and the sun only makes an appearance in the sky for four to five hours a day. While the larger baleen whales that come to Iceland to feed in summer have largely migrated south to their mating grounds (although there are always stragglers who stay year-round), there are still several other whales . In Iceland, the northern lights are most commonly green, but they can also be purple, red, pink, white, and blue if they are particularly strong and conditions are good. Children aged12 and overmaybe allowed to operate a dog sled, but this will be up to the guide operating your tour. However, its only possible to camp in Iceland between April and September because of the cold winter. As another plus, Iceland typically has warmer weather than most of the other frigid northern lights destinations. Sites such as the Grotta lighthouse and some of the city parks are sometimes dark enough for a good display within the city limit. It's never good to be caught unaware when traveling, but this is particularly true when visiting a near-Arctic country in winter. This means no other group members will be distracting you on your tour, there are no time limitations, and you can choose where to look for the aurora borealis in Iceland yourself. Image Source. While this may seem a little bleak, the high festive spirits around the country at Christmas time combat any seasonal blues. The Solheimajokull glacier and Skaftafellsjokull glacier are relatively easy to hike at this time of year. Although it can be disappointing to pay for a tour and not see them, try to make the most of it and enjoy learning aboutthe starry night skyabove. Immerse Yourself in Icelandic Art and Culture Starbucks and Costa are nowhere in sight, as Icelandic coffee culture is personalized, community-driven, and fiercely competitive. To combat these hazards, Iceland's mountain roads (known as "Froads") are closedto all traffic. Instead, its about enjoying being out on the sea, surrounded by beautiful landscapes while floating under a canopy of stars. I founded STG to help others learn about and experience the night sky. The hotel also lends out snowsuits for those who want to spend hours outside and boasts a 24/7 bar with hot drinks to seal the deal. Yes, you can see the northern lights from the Blue Lagoon. The best place to see the northern lights in Iceland is the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, which lies by the Vatnajokull glacier. Read about where to go and what to see. However, it's one of the busiest and most popular places in the whole of Iceland, so you'll want to make sure you book your visit well in advance. Theres also a little geothermal tub (Kvika Foot Bath) on the peninsula where you can warm up your feet while waiting for them to show. Iceland sits at a latitude of approximately 64 degrees north, making it the perfect place to see the northern lights. For round-trip flights from the US, the summer rate is usually double the rate in November, so it's definitely easier on the wallet to travel to Iceland during this time of year. As you schedule tours and sightseeing, remember that December is when the daylight hours are the shortest. However, the weather in Reykjavik in December is usually more temperate because of the shelter from the wind provided by the city's buildings. Image Source. The Hofsstadir Country Hotel in Skagafjordur in North Iceland has wide windows to take in the sweeping views of lava fields and fjords. Before you enter the water, your guides will give youa thorough briefing on what to expect in the water, includinghow to use your equipmentand how to stay insulated from the cold. You might want to consider this eight-day circle of Iceland self-drive vacation, during which you can admire the countrys beautiful landscapes in the daytime and search the skies for the auroraborealis at night. Pretty cool! The forest, which surrounds the popular restaurant and landmark Perlan, is very dark, so observing the sky from one of its clearings often achieves excellent results. It's noted for its use of neologism (as opposed to using foreign loan words). So, while you're never guaranteed to see the lights, a little planning and forethought can pay off. 14. It's not just coastal locations that boast such great birdwatching opportunities. There are several hotels that cater to aurora spotters, with special viewing locations or even wake-up calls you can request to rouse you if the lights appear after you go to bed. Whether you're interested in learning about the weather in Iceland in November or how to increase your chances of seeing the northern lights, we've got the answers. Vatnajokull, the largest glacier in Europe, is the most common destination because of the incredible sites surrounding it, which are accessible throughout the winter. The valkyries were female figures who guided warriors who died in battle to Valhalla. However, because of the herring that spend winter around the Snaefellsnes peninsula, those eager to see killer whales should depart from here. Tour avventurosi. Iceland is the perfect place to try thisexhilarating experience (and meet some cute pupswhile you're doing it!). You can try a one-day trip likethis 10-hour Golden Circle tour, which includes snowmobiling, or a multi-day tour like this three-day Golden Circle and South Coast tour. When was Guide to Iceland founded and why? The Northern Lights in Iceland in October. However, the festivities are not the only reason to come to Iceland in December. Two conditions make for a perfect view: high solar activity and minimal cloud cover. Finally, a fantastic way to enjoy the incredible phenomenon of the aurora borealis in Iceland is by watching them on a boat tour. Having said that, it is possible to spot the aurora from Reykjavik in November. Oskjuhlid hill is another excellent place to hunt the aurora borealis in Iceland. This Friday, were taking a look at Microsoft and Sonys increasingly bitter feud over Call of Duty and whether U.K. regulators are leaning toward torpedoing the Activision Blizzard deal. It includes information about the northern lights season in Iceland and even the best time of the day to see the northern lights. It is also the most accessible seal-watching location in Iceland during winter. Christmas in Iceland is a celebration of light, as the days start getting longer after the winter solstice. 140. from . Some Icelanders even use the leftover grounds to scrub their skin after a wintry dip in the North Atlantic! Outside the city, temperatures tend to drop even lower, particularly in high-altitude places like the Icelandic Highlands.. November also sees more cloud cover across the country than earlier in the year, rising from a 66% to a 72% likelihood. There are three different ways to see the northern lights in Iceland. Are you hoping to see the northern lights or go ice caving? Thanks to the light current that runs through it, Silfra Fissure never freezesnot even in the dead of winter! Tour avventurosi. There are a few quiet corners ofthe city where the lights are more likely to be visible. Find out which shops accept Klarna and how buy now, pay later works. Seljavallalaug Pool is a mountainside swimming pool thats over 25 meters long. Ideally, youll want to find a place with as little light pollution and cloud cover as possible. Northern lights tours are much more successful, and many bus, boat and jeep tours depart from Reykjavik. Youll be under the guidance of an aurora expert. Since the days are short during the Icelandic winters, it can be dark outside as early as 5 pm which can make the aurora visible in ideal conditions. The routes are well lit, and the caves' height means that you don't even need to crouch to move through them. Are you planning to visit Iceland in November? Instead, we have the Yule Lads! Northern Lights tours are the surest way for hunting the elusive and beautiful aurora borealis. The itineraries are flexible because the weather in Iceland in December is a force to be reckoned with. If the conditions are favorable, you can see the northern lights anywhere in Iceland, but its easier and more scenic in some places than others. As long as aurora activity is high and the sky is clear, it is possible to see them from the Blue Lagoon as long the light pollution from the area is not too strong. The most popular spots are Hallgrimskirkja church and Perlan. You wont have to travel far from either port to be clear of city lights to catch a sighting. You can book tours like this in Akureyri and East Iceland as well. You could encounter several seabird species, including gulls, fulmars, puffins and ducks. The science behind this timing is complex: In short, there tends to be more geomagnetic disturbance around the equinoxes, leading to stronger auroras. But be sure to read the fine print seeing the northern lights is never a sure bet, and tour operators have various policies to account for this. Perched atop a verdant hill, Hofsstair Country Hotel in Skagafjrur offers stunning views of majestic fjords during the day and an intimate, front-row view of the Northern Lights at night. It also gets surprisingly dark here at night, which makes it a fantastic spot to view the Northern Lights. Combining a guided northern lights tour with other excursions, such as sightseeing around the Golden Circle, is also possible. Along with being one of the best places to go birdwatching, it also gets incredibly dark at night. These durable carry-on bags are ideal for any upcoming vacation or business trip. Another widely spoken about interpretation is that the aurora was the Bifrost Bridge, a rainbow walkway that led deceased warriors into the glorious, glowing halls of Valhalla. You can start in the morning by learning about Iceland's fascinating history at the Reykjavik Maritime Museum or by having a giggle at the world's only Phallological Museum before heading to the Arbaejarsafn Open Air Museum when it opens at 1 PM. The tour operator provides everything you'll need to stay warm and safe out on the trail, but you'll still need appropriate winter wear underneath your equipment and a valid driver's license if you're driving the snowmobile. Between October and March, longer nights give you ample opportunity to see the aurora if the weather permits. From this vantage point, youll be able to see brighter and more vivid streaks in the sky. Explore our wide selection of northern lights tours and find the ideal one for you. Set the ISO around 1,600 and an aperture of f/2.8 or lower. Golden Circle Afternoon and Northern Lights Tour from Reykjavik. Lighthouses. You can also take northern lights cruises out of Reykjavik. Its far removed from civilization and is another amazing opportunity to see two natural wonders at once. If you want to be on the safe side, protective glasses are sold around the city in the lead-up to the night. This factor makes Iceland a great place to check the aurora off your bucket list: The country's main international airport, Keflavk (set about 30 miles southwest of Reykjavik), welcomes plenty of direct flights from North America, allowing you potential access to the light show almost immediately. The aurora borealis can only be seen when it's dark enough, and the sky is clear enough. When c Where are Iceland's most beautiful beaches? "Skyr-Gobbler" who loves nothing more than eating skyr and doesn't hesitate to steal it if he's really hungry. Like lava caving, snorkeling is available throughout the year but is particularly unique during winter. With everything you need to know about what the weather's like in Iceland in October, how to get around, what to pack and Find the top things to do in Iceland. Indias largest Food Delivery, Dining and Restaurant Discovery Service. Keflavk Airport (KEF), 235 KEFLAVKURFLUGVLLUR, Reykjanesbr, English, Spanish, German, Chinese, French. 75. It has an observatory and wake-up service for the aurora, ensuring that guests wont miss the aurora if it happens during their stay. Regardless of when you visit, don't go off the beaten track off-roading is strictly illegal. New caves and networks are made every year, meaning that every visitor to Iceland gets to witness something unique. Its high altitude and isolated location make it very easy to get a clear view of the Aurora Borealis. We had the best weather, we were very lucky to be able to see the Nothern lights in weeks before and days after. Iceland is also very windy during this month. You'll need a 5- to 6-millimeter wetsuit, hood, and gloves if you want to keep your body temperature up while surfing in Iceland. Centuries-old glacial water trickles down from the mighty Langjokull glacier, being purified as it winds its way through the dark volcanic rock networks at Thingvellir National Parkbefore spilling out into the fissure to form a spellbinding canyon of blues and greens. Or you might see them on the plane over to Iceland or the drive from Keflavik airport. Snowfall is common in December. You can enjoy an eight-or-nine day holiday to Iceland in December in many ways. Its forecasts show the Kp index, which measures disturbances in Earth's magnetic field on a scale of zero to nine; the higher the number on the index, the stronger the aurora activity. Practically everyone visiting Iceland wants to see the northern lights, and it's easy to see why. Hotel Rang is about a two-hour drive south of Reykjavik. Even if a snorkeler or diver in the group in front of you accidentally kicks up some sediment, the water will be clear again in just a few moments. Grab a ticket and get ready for great music and great fun. Hikers come face to face with these enormous natural formations, and this truly is the best way to understand the ice's sheer size, power, and age. The Golden Circle is a sightseeing route that encompasses some of the most famous attractions in all of Iceland. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features Contrary to popular belief, colder weather does not affect whether the northern lights in Iceland will appear. Whats the weather in April end, Things to do The best places to visit The best hotels to stay. Note that some shops, restaurants, and tours may be closed or have limited opening hours during the height of the Christmas season. Theyre on a scale of one to nine, and anything above three is worth setting out for, as a two is usually visible. Grotta Lighthouse at the north-westernmost point of Reykjavik is a great place to watch the Northern Lights over the water. The festival officially starts on the fourth Sunday before Christmas Eve, when the Christmas trees are lit across the country. If they are particularly strong, you'll even be able to see them in areas with some light pollution, like a dimly lit street or your hotel window. Gryla has an enormous black cat, the Yule Cat, who also eats children, but only those who don't receive any new clothes for Christmas. If you haveseen the northern lights before but not in Iceland,theres no place quite like it. Iceland's weather can vary hugely at any time of year and is very unpredictable. Discover the top northern lights hotels in Iceland, and increase your chances of seeing the northern lights during your stay in Iceland. If the weather is perfect and the seas are calm, youll be treated to an uninterrupted view of the Northern Lights. Tours for whale watching in Reykjavik in December leave from the Old Harbour like the rest of the year and last between two and three hours. Check with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Department of State and local tourism boards before traveling.). If you're in Iceland hoping to catch a glimpse of the aurora, you should consult a northern lights forecast online, which indicates the likelihood of this natural phenomenon appearing on any given night. In fact, Icelanders love their coffee so much thatyoull sometimes find free coffee in local supermarkets, banks, and retailers. However, a boat trips primary advantage is not the hunt for the northern lights. Day Trips. All the tour guides were really nice and the tour guides helped us still see everything even when the weather wasn't that great. 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