Iceland or Norway in April ?
 

Hi,

Planning a holiday with family (kids are 16 & 20) to Europe. In Spain for 2 days of work . So thought of combining with a short holiday in europe. Never been to Norway / iceland .
We have 8 days/ nights. (other than Spain) .
I understand we are late to see the northern lights .
Which one of the two would be better during second week of april ?
Or a bit of both is advisable ?
Please suggest …

April is rather between seasons, still winter conditions on roads in Norway and probably Iceland. Many tourist routes in Norway still closed for winter. Too late for Northern Lights, too early for Midnight sun. Weather cold and perhaps stormy. Ideal time for a cross-country skiing trip in the mountains, but otherwise? What sort of holiday are you looking at - nature or city?
Would really make more sense staying somewhere nearer Spain.

perhaps I'm being dim, adit, but what's wrong with Spain?

April would be a great time to see Andalusia.

I agree with Ann.

Norway and Iceland are two of the most stunning geographic locations. However, in my mind they are definitely high summer or high winter destinations.

Both places can be quite depressing in April if winter has broken and you are faced with 4oC and rain.

Seville in April is perfect.

Haven't been to Norway since the early 1980s, but we've been in Iceland twice in the past year and a half. First time we arrived on April 23, the first day of "summer." WHOA! Froze our tushes off for 5 days. Lovely place, Reykyavik, and I'm a seasoned traveler, but howling winds and snow and sub-zero temps do not make for a pleasant day of roaming to museums and monuments. I won't even begin to tell you what it was like in January, our second trip.

If you're up for some serious cold weather, fine; otherwise I'd head for the Canary Islands or Andalusia or Morocco.

Where else have you been in Europe? Both Iceland and Norway are terrific destinations -- but April would definitely not be my choice for either country.

Can't hike, winter sports are winding down, just really really 'between' seasons.

How about early May for Iceland? We are booked for the first week in May. We know it's shoulder season, hoping it won't be too dismal. Either way, we're excited!