Never Out of Season
We know snow!
If there’s one thing we know how to do in Iceland — it’s winter. While other parts of the world fall into sleepy hibernation, the country of Iceland comes alive with its vibrant culture, outdoor activities, holidays, events and pure energy.
A nice price for ice
A great way to take advantage of all that Iceland has to offer is by traveling off-season when airfares and hotel rates are generally much less expensive. Tour Operators such as Icelandair Holidays offer great deals and weekend specials throughout winter including Thanksgiving, New Year’s, Valentine’s Day and more.
Shopper’s paradise
In January and February retail stores throughout Reykjavik change out merchandise from last season to bring in the new spring lines. You’ll find everything from designer clothes, souvenirs, jewelry and edgy Icelandic designs all for a fraction of the cost. Reykjavik’s largest shopping malls are Kringlan, a 10-minute drive from downtown, and Smaralind in the suburb of Kopavogur. Both feature a range of high-street chains, entertainment and eateries.
Come out and play
Outdoor activities take on a new life in Iceland throughout winter, with horseback riding through snowy lava fields, snowmobiling, outdoor swimming and dog-sledding which is a new pursuit only available in winter. Many motor coach tours go on as usual but sights such as Gullfoss, the largest waterfall in Europe, take on a new form of beauty as portions of it become frozen, suspended waves of crystal-clear ice. Winter is also the only time of year to catch Aurora Borealis, or the Northern Lights.
Culture adventure
The shorter days and longer nights of winter really get the creative juices of the Icelanders flowing with the symphony orchestra, several theaters, an opera house, ballet and numerous musical performances. The Reykjavik Art Museum, the Reykjavik Museum of Photographs, City Archives and Library, the Culture House with its collection of treasured manuscripts, or the National Museum are also good choices if you want to spend a day enjoying the city’s culture.
Winter calendar
There’s nothing ‘off’ about off-season travel in Iceland especially when it comes to things to do. Iceland Airwaves is an alternative music festival held in late October which rocks big name acts from Iceland, Europe and the US. Twinkling Christmas decorations go up throughout Iceland around Thanksgiving lighting up the country into a winter wonderland, followed by New Year’s Eve with community bonfires and an enormous fireworks display that literally fills up the night sky. Another exciting event is the Thorrablot, a Viking tradition celebrated by feasting on Viking delicacies you might only see on Fear Factor. The Festival of Light in February is dedicated to the theme of energy and light and the Food & Fun Festival is one not to be missed by any and all food lovers.