Visiting Iceland in the dead of winter
Jun 24th, 2013, 08:00 PM
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Visiting Iceland in the dead of winter
We will be travelling to Iceland in the dead of winter! We are staying 4 nights between Hella and Hvolsvollur, and 3 nights in Reykjavik. With so little daylight, how should we plan to see the sights such as Vestmannaeyjar, Jokularsarlon, Fimmvorduhals, Golden Circle, etc.? Should we plan on driving during the day before the sun rises to be at our destination during daylight?
Also, what time to people generally rise and go to bed when daylight is only 4 hours long?
Really looking forward to this unique adventure!
Many thanks.
Also, what time to people generally rise and go to bed when daylight is only 4 hours long?
Really looking forward to this unique adventure!
Many thanks.
Jun 25th, 2013, 06:12 PM
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<<Should we plan on driving during the day before the sun rises to be at our destination during daylight?>> Iregeo, I think you've already answered your own question by considering the minimal daylight factor. I'm sure in your research you've found that there's between 4-6 hours of daylight in Winter. Even in early December when I was last there the sun would rise around 10am and set by 3pm, but that's still a fair bit of daylight to play with so you won't be doing everything in darkness. The city roads are well lit, but it can get a little dark on the main route (Route 1) in parts. It will also take you longer than you think to get to some destinations - the main road is fine, but if you get off track a little then you're likely to have to deal with snow, narrow roads, loose gravel, etc, so rent the appropriate vehicle. You will find that the mountain roads are closed, but if you don't plan to deviate too much from Route 1 you should be fine.
The Golden Circle could be done as part of a (long but fun) day tour from Reykjavik if you don't want to drive it, or you could do it yourself and aim to end at the Blue Lagoon for an end of day soak under lights.
It goes without saying that you'll familiarise yourselves with Iceland's road rules (eg headlights on at all times of day).
There's something a little magical about Iceland in Winter, so enjoy it!
The Golden Circle could be done as part of a (long but fun) day tour from Reykjavik if you don't want to drive it, or you could do it yourself and aim to end at the Blue Lagoon for an end of day soak under lights.
It goes without saying that you'll familiarise yourselves with Iceland's road rules (eg headlights on at all times of day).
There's something a little magical about Iceland in Winter, so enjoy it!
