“Iceland? In the winter? Really?” It was a common surprised question we were getting, but that’s exactly what we were doing, going to Iceland in January. My mother and I chose this hot on the travel list location because we wanted to see the Northern Lights. It was also half the travel price in January than in the Summer. And a quick 4.5 hour flight from Boston, we were able to go for a long weekend: 4 days, 3 nights.
We arrived early in the morning after a short overnight flight. I was quickly able to connect to wi-fi, which in Iceland is easily assessable everywhere. The temperatures outside were coming in at a balmy 30 degrees Fahrenheit; the temperatures back in Boston were teetering between 1 degree and -2 degrees Fahrenheit. We were going to be okay.
The hardest thing about coming to Iceland in the winter is the short days. The sun rises at 11:00am and sets at 4:00pm. On the other hand, we got to see the sunrise and sunset every day. I’m not a person who is usually awake for the sunrise. Seeing the sunrise requires planning, multiple alarm clock settings, and the determination to get up. In Iceland, where the sun doesn’t rise until 11:00am in the winter, I was excited to be able to watch the sunrise every morning without sleepily pulling myself from bed.
We arrived early in the morning after a short overnight flight. I was quickly able to connect to wi-fi, which in Iceland is easily assessable everywhere. The temperatures outside were coming in at a balmy 30 degrees Fahrenheit; the temperatures back in Boston were teetering between 1 degree and -2 degrees Fahrenheit. We were going to be okay.
The hardest thing about coming to Iceland in the winter is the short days. The sun rises at 11:00am and sets at 4:00pm. On the other hand, we got to see the sunrise and sunset every day. I’m not a person who is usually awake for the sunrise. Seeing the sunrise requires planning, multiple alarm clock settings, and the determination to get up. In Iceland, where the sun doesn’t rise until 11:00am in the winter, I was excited to be able to watch the sunrise every morning without sleepily pulling myself from bed.
REYKJAVIK:
With the sun just rising, my mom and I set off to explore Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland. Our first stop was at the Hallgrímskirkja, the unique church situated in the middle of the city. Climb to the top for a panorama view of the city. From there we walked down through downtown strolling in and out of the stores, purchasing clothing and other souvenirs of Icelandic wool, soap, salts, and more. My suitcase quickly filled up with gifts and items, so I made a note to return to Iceland with a bigger suitcase.
One day we planned to do a tour to the southern part of the country, but because of a snow storm, the tour got canceled. My mom and I are instead headed to the Saga Museum, which tells the stories (sagas) of the Vikings and earliest settlers in Iceland.
With the sun just rising, my mom and I set off to explore Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland. Our first stop was at the Hallgrímskirkja, the unique church situated in the middle of the city. Climb to the top for a panorama view of the city. From there we walked down through downtown strolling in and out of the stores, purchasing clothing and other souvenirs of Icelandic wool, soap, salts, and more. My suitcase quickly filled up with gifts and items, so I made a note to return to Iceland with a bigger suitcase.
One day we planned to do a tour to the southern part of the country, but because of a snow storm, the tour got canceled. My mom and I are instead headed to the Saga Museum, which tells the stories (sagas) of the Vikings and earliest settlers in Iceland.
Hallgrímskirkja
View from Hallgrímskirkja
EAT:
Most people don’t think of Iceland as a foodie destination. Traditional food includes rotten shark so I can understand most traveler’s trepidation. However, we found the food in Iceland fresh, organic, local and absolutely delish. Returning from Iceland, I went in search for skyr (Icelandic yogurt), Icelandic salts, and cheeses. I was hooked. Here are some of my recommendations:
Most people don’t think of Iceland as a foodie destination. Traditional food includes rotten shark so I can understand most traveler’s trepidation. However, we found the food in Iceland fresh, organic, local and absolutely delish. Returning from Iceland, I went in search for skyr (Icelandic yogurt), Icelandic salts, and cheeses. I was hooked. Here are some of my recommendations:
Baejarins Beztu Pylsur
Baejarins Beztu Pylsur: the small hot dog stand is near Reykjavik Harbor. That’s right, it’s hot dogs, but it’s practically famous. Even Bill Clinton has eaten here. They have a picture of him eating one of their hot dogs up on the side of their stand and have named one of their hot dogs after him: The Clinton, comes with only mustard, the way he ordered it. Hot dogs are a big thing in Iceland, so popular that some call it their national dish. I’m not much of a hot dog person, but this little stand offered delicious hot dogs that I was happy to return for more.
Icelandic Fish & Chips: also by the Reykjavik Harbor is the Icelandic Fish & Chips. Fresh fish fried with a side of Icelandic potatoes, which taste sweeter and more delicious than the starchy potatoes we get in the U.S. Though being fried, the fish is fresh with a thin layer of crispy skin.
Dill: this restaurant is possibly the hottest restaurant in Reykjavik right now. Using only local ingredients and embracing old traditions, the 3-7 courses are creative and unique. We were impressed by how delicious everything was despite reading some of the ingredients: pine needle oil? Burnt bay leaf ice cream? Surprisingly, it was all very good. So delicious that we went back to the hotel and ordered the chef of Dill, Gunnar Karl Gislason’s new cookbook North: The New Nordic Cuisine of Iceland. Make reservations before going; it’s hard to get in and spots fill up.
Fishmarket: another great restaurant, we opted for the tasting menu here as well. We were able to sample puffin, mountain lamb, Icelandic mussels, mike whale, and more.
Dill: this restaurant is possibly the hottest restaurant in Reykjavik right now. Using only local ingredients and embracing old traditions, the 3-7 courses are creative and unique. We were impressed by how delicious everything was despite reading some of the ingredients: pine needle oil? Burnt bay leaf ice cream? Surprisingly, it was all very good. So delicious that we went back to the hotel and ordered the chef of Dill, Gunnar Karl Gislason’s new cookbook North: The New Nordic Cuisine of Iceland. Make reservations before going; it’s hard to get in and spots fill up.
Fishmarket: another great restaurant, we opted for the tasting menu here as well. We were able to sample puffin, mountain lamb, Icelandic mussels, mike whale, and more.
OUTSIDE REYKJAVIK:
Reykjavik is small but there are plenty of things to see and do outside of Reykjavik. Since it was winter, my Mom and I opted to do a couple of tours through Reykjavik Excursions. We were able to book transportation to and from the airport, our return trip to the airport via the Blue Lagoon. Convenient and cheap, I highly recommend it unless you choose to rent a car.
Blue Lagoon: if you don’t do anything else, do this. Pamper yourself in geothermal waters and for a small additional cost get a massage while floating in the warm waters.
Reykjavik is small but there are plenty of things to see and do outside of Reykjavik. Since it was winter, my Mom and I opted to do a couple of tours through Reykjavik Excursions. We were able to book transportation to and from the airport, our return trip to the airport via the Blue Lagoon. Convenient and cheap, I highly recommend it unless you choose to rent a car.
Blue Lagoon: if you don’t do anything else, do this. Pamper yourself in geothermal waters and for a small additional cost get a massage while floating in the warm waters.
Blue Lagoon at sunrise
Blue Lagoon
Northern Lights: as I mentioned, the main reason for going in the winter was to see the Northern Lights. We chose the Northern Lights Boat Tour as a friend previously done it and liked it. A few notes on the Northern Lights:
1. Plan to do it on your first night there. You don’t always see the Northern Lights, and if you miss them your first night, the tours will allow you to return until you see them. If you plan it for your last night and miss them, then you are out of luck. We scheduled the tour the first night we arrived, and despite being a little sleepy, we were so happy we planned it that way. The following nights had storms and all Northern Light tours were canceled.
2. The lights are much more spectacular through a digital camera. A couple of people told me this before and they were right. The pictures I took with my digital camera were brighter and more enhanced than from the naked eye. Note: iphone cameras won’t pick up the Northern Lights.
3. Even from a naked eye, the Northern Lights are spectacular. It was amazing watching a black sky light up with lights that dance across the sky. If you have the opportunity, don’t miss it.
1. Plan to do it on your first night there. You don’t always see the Northern Lights, and if you miss them your first night, the tours will allow you to return until you see them. If you plan it for your last night and miss them, then you are out of luck. We scheduled the tour the first night we arrived, and despite being a little sleepy, we were so happy we planned it that way. The following nights had storms and all Northern Light tours were canceled.
2. The lights are much more spectacular through a digital camera. A couple of people told me this before and they were right. The pictures I took with my digital camera were brighter and more enhanced than from the naked eye. Note: iphone cameras won’t pick up the Northern Lights.
3. Even from a naked eye, the Northern Lights are spectacular. It was amazing watching a black sky light up with lights that dance across the sky. If you have the opportunity, don’t miss it.
The Golden Circle: one of the most popular tours takes you to Strokkur geyser, Gullfoss, and Thingvellir National Park.
Geysir
Gullfoss Waterfall
Icelandic horses
Southern Shore: we tried to do the tour but it was canceled due to a snow storm. I have it noted to do next time I return to Iceland. The tour includes Seljalandsfoss waterfall, Skogafoss waterfall, and Skogar Folk Museum plus seeing stunning views of glaciers, black sand coastlines and impressive rock formations.
Whale Watching: between May and September you can see many different whales in different locations through Iceland.
Skaftafell Ice Cave: another 'To Do' item on my return list is hike through the ice caves. You can only do it in the winter when the ice doesn’t melt and it is safer to enter.
Dive Silfra: scuba diving and Iceland aren’t the first thing that comes to mind but diving Silfra, which is considered the clearest waters on Earth, situation between two continents, is one of the best diving places in the world. If you are an avid diver, go ahead and tick this off your dive locations.
TO STAY:
City Center Hotel: downtown location near many sites.
Radisson Blu: near Reykjavik Harbor, a trendy, chic hotel.
Ion Hotel: outside of Reykjavik, the hotel is a peacefull getaway, perfect for seeing the Northern Lights, relaxing, and being out in the country.
Whale Watching: between May and September you can see many different whales in different locations through Iceland.
Skaftafell Ice Cave: another 'To Do' item on my return list is hike through the ice caves. You can only do it in the winter when the ice doesn’t melt and it is safer to enter.
Dive Silfra: scuba diving and Iceland aren’t the first thing that comes to mind but diving Silfra, which is considered the clearest waters on Earth, situation between two continents, is one of the best diving places in the world. If you are an avid diver, go ahead and tick this off your dive locations.
TO STAY:
City Center Hotel: downtown location near many sites.
Radisson Blu: near Reykjavik Harbor, a trendy, chic hotel.
Ion Hotel: outside of Reykjavik, the hotel is a peacefull getaway, perfect for seeing the Northern Lights, relaxing, and being out in the country.