Islande Explora

Iceland Explora

Ath78 — Wed, 19 Sep 2018 18:54:09 +0000

The Iceland Explora website has been created in order to make you discover this country and to guide you in the preparation of your trip so that you can spend the best stay there. Iceland is a beautiful place that attracts travelers from all over the world for a few years, but before leaving, it is important to get organized and to learn about the destination to spend the best possible vacation! You will find on the website islande-explora.com a lot of information including:

The different types of trips that can be made there: all-inclusive stay, self-tour, thematic tour, etc. The activities to do during your stay (enjoy the benefits of geothermal water in the many pools of the country), as well as the organized excursions you can do (whale or puffin watching, quad bike tours, hiking, etc.).
The different steps to think about to prepare your stay: purchase of plane tickets, choice of rental car, reservation of accommodation (hotels, lodgings, campgrounds, etc.). The best periods to go to Iceland to take advantage of this country, winter or summer? Or why not in spring or autumn?
The places and tourist sites to visit and we can say that there is a multitude in Iceland thanks to the beauty of the landscapes with its volcanoes, glaciers, waterfalls, beaches, lava fields, cliffs, gorges or fjords, its small islands, but also its culture that we find in the museums and the few cities. The sparkling Icelandic capital
Reykjavik which gathers two-thirds of the Icelandic population, known for its cultural life, nightlife and also its greenery and tranquility.

Our site also shares with you the Icelandic news (economic, sports, political, etc.) and some beautiful videos on this country. We also take you to discover the culture, the geography of the island or its history to understand Iceland. Thanks to this site, you will have all the information for a good traveler to go to Iceland!

[/td_block_text_with_title][vc_raw_html tdc_css="eyJhbGwiOnsibWFyZ2luLWJvdHRvbSI6IjIwIiwiYm9yZGVyLXRvcC13aWR0aCI6IjUiLCJib3JkZXItcmlnaHQtd2lkdGgiOiI1IiwiYm9yZGVyLWJvdHRvbS13aWR0aCI6IjUiLCJib3JkZXItbGVmdC13aWR0aCI6IjUiLCJwYWRkaW5nLXRvcCI6IjEwIiwicGFkZGluZy1yaWdodCI6IjEwIiwicGFkZGluZy1ib3R0b20iOiIxMCIsInBhZGRpbmctbGVmdCI6IjEwIiwiYm9yZGVyLWNvbG9yIjoiI2Y3YjczOCIsImJhY2tncm91bmQtY29sb3IiOiJyZ2JhKDI1NSwyNTUsMjU1LDApIiwiZGlzcGxheSI6IiJ9fQ=="]PGRpdiBkYXRhLXNreXNjYW5uZXItd2lkZ2V0PSJGbGlnaHRTZWFyY2hXaWRnZXQiIGRhdGEtbG9jYWxlPSJmci1GUiIgZGF0YS1tYXJrZXQ9IkZSIiBkYXRhLWN1cnJlbmN5PSJFVVIiIGRhdGEtY2FtcGFpZ24taWQ9IjEzNDE2IiBkYXRhLW1lZGlhLXBhcnRuZXItaWQ9IjI5MjcxMDQiIGRhdGEtYWQtaWQ9IjExMDMyNjIiPjwvZGl2Pgo8c2NyaXB0IHNyYz0iaHR0cHM6Ly93aWRnZXRzLnNreXNjYW5uZXIubmV0L3dpZGdldC1zZXJ2ZXIvanMvbG9hZGVyLmpzIiBhc3luYz0iIj48L3NjcmlwdD4=[/vc_raw_html][vc_raw_html]PGlmcmFtZSBzcmM9Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmdvb2dsZS5jb20vbWFwcy9kL2VtYmVkP21pZD0xbzAzb3ViaC1HQnd2VWQxT0dDSEduVXZ6MVFiN2U2UnUiIHdpZHRoPSIxMDAlIiBoZWlnaHQ9IjU1MCI+PC9pZnJhbWU+[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][td_block_weather w_key="56f7072867ee5fb3f0911672ccd354ec" w_location="Reykjavik" custom_title="Weather at Reykjavik"][td_block_text_with_title]

Book your car in Iceland

Official partner Lava Car Rental · local agency rated 4.6/5 on Google (4,770 reviews)

[/td_block_text_with_title][vc_raw_html tdc_css="eyJhbGwiOnsiY29udGVudC1oLWFsaWduIjoiY29udGVudC1ob3Jpei1jZW50ZXIiLCJkaXNwbGF5IjoiYmxvY2sifX0="]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[/vc_raw_html][td_block_text_with_title] [obflink-image image="https://www.islande-explora.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/300X300-FRENCH-CAMPINGCAR.jpg" link="https://www.islande-explora.com/rc-reservation-camping-car" target="_blank" class="test" display="not_home" align"left" width="300" height="300"] [/td_block_text_with_title][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][td_block_title title_tag="h2" f_header_font_weight="700" f_header_font_transform="" f_header_font_size="18" tdc_css="eyJhbGwiOnsibWFyZ2luLWJvdHRvbSI6IjIwIiwiZGlzcGxheSI6IiJ9fQ==" custom_title="Visit Iceland"][td_block_text_with_title f_post_font_size="14"]

You wish to travel in Iceland. But, for that, you have to prepare yourself, so discover our tourist guide to visit Iceland with the different sites and activities from its capital Reykjavik to the wild areas of the south coast or the center of the island. You will then be able to prepare your trip in this country and see which sites and tourist places to discover.

[/td_block_text_with_title][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/4"][tdm_block_inline_image image="12038" display_inline="yes" media_size_image_height="180" media_size_image_width="240" content_align_horizontal="content-horiz-center" img_width="100%" tdc_css="eyJhbGwiOnsibWFyZ2luLWJvdHRvbSI6IjIwIiwiZGlzcGxheSI6IiJ9fQ=="][td_block_title title_tag="h3" custom_title="Geysir" f_header_font_weight="700" f_header_font_transform="" tdc_css="eyJhbGwiOnsibWFyZ2luLWJvdHRvbSI6IjIwIiwiZGlzcGxheSI6IiJ9fQ==" block_template_id="td_block_template_5" custom_url="https://www.islande-explora.com/voyage-islande/region-sud/geysir/"][td_block_text_with_title f_post_font_size="14"] Geysers are a volcanic phenomenon and one of the emblems of Iceland, so logically you have to go to the Geysir geothermal field. [/td_block_text_with_title][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/4"][tdm_block_inline_image image="3900" display_inline="yes" media_size_image_height="750" media_size_image_width="1000" content_align_horizontal="content-horiz-center" img_width="100%" tdc_css="eyJhbGwiOnsibWFyZ2luLWJvdHRvbSI6IjIwIiwiZGlzcGxheSI6IiJ9fQ=="][td_block_title title_tag="h3" custom_title="Gullfoss" f_header_font_weight="700" f_header_font_transform="" tdc_css="eyJhbGwiOnsibWFyZ2luLWJvdHRvbSI6IjIwIiwiZGlzcGxheSI6IiJ9fQ==" block_template_id="td_block_template_5" custom_url="https://www.islande-explora.com/voyage-islande/region-sud/gullfoss/"][td_block_text_with_title f_post_font_size="14"] One of the most famous tourist sites, Gullfoss impresses by its majestic side, its height and width in meters and the power of its waterfall. [/td_block_text_with_title][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/4"][tdm_block_inline_image image="10199" display_inline="yes" media_size_image_height="160" media_size_image_width="240" content_align_horizontal="content-horiz-center" img_width="100%" tdc_css="eyJhbGwiOnsibWFyZ2luLWJvdHRvbSI6IjIwIiwiZGlzcGxheSI6IiJ9fQ=="][td_block_title title_tag="h3" custom_title="Jökulsárlón" f_header_font_weight="700" f_header_font_transform="" tdc_css="eyJhbGwiOnsibWFyZ2luLWJvdHRvbSI6IjIwIiwiZGlzcGxheSI6IiJ9fQ==" block_template_id="td_block_template_5" custom_url="https://www.islande-explora.com/voyage-islande/region-sud/jokulsarlon/"][td_block_text_with_title f_post_font_size="14"] Discover this beautiful glacial lake dotted with icebergs which is located below a glacier of Vatnajökull and very close to the ocean. [/td_block_text_with_title][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/4"][tdm_block_inline_image image="10200" display_inline="yes" media_size_image_height="180" media_size_image_width="240" content_align_horizontal="content-horiz-center" img_width="100%" tdc_css="eyJhbGwiOnsibWFyZ2luLWJvdHRvbSI6IjIwIiwiZGlzcGxheSI6IiJ9fQ=="][td_block_title title_tag="h3" custom_title="Skaftafell" f_header_font_weight="700" f_header_font_transform="" tdc_css="eyJhbGwiOnsibWFyZ2luLWJvdHRvbSI6IjIwIiwiZGlzcGxheSI6IiJ9fQ==" block_template_id="td_block_template_5" custom_url="https://www.islande-explora.com/voyage-islande/region-sud/skaftafell/"][td_block_text_with_title f_post_font_size="14"] Located at the southern limit of the Vatnajökull glacier, this region includes beautiful glaciers, but also waterfalls and is an opportunity to make beautiful hikes. [/td_block_text_with_title][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/4"][tdm_block_inline_image image="11646" display_inline="yes" media_size_image_height="600" media_size_image_width="900" content_align_horizontal="content-horiz-center" img_width="100%" tdc_css="eyJhbGwiOnsibWFyZ2luLWJvdHRvbSI6IjIwIiwiZGlzcGxheSI6IiJ9fQ=="][td_block_title title_tag="h3" custom_title="Seljalandsfoss" f_header_font_weight="700" f_header_font_transform="" tdc_css="eyJhbGwiOnsibWFyZ2luLWJvdHRvbSI6IjIwIiwiZGlzcGxheSI6IiJ9fQ==" block_template_id="td_block_template_5" custom_url="https://www.islande-explora.com/voyage-islande/region-sud/seljalandsfoss/"][td_block_text_with_title f_post_font_size="14"] In the south of Iceland, close to the road 1, is the beautiful Seljalandsfoss waterfall. Its particularity: it is possible to go behind the waterfall! [/td_block_text_with_title][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/4"][tdm_block_inline_image image="11648" display_inline="yes" media_size_image_height="220" media_size_image_width="356" content_align_horizontal="content-horiz-center" img_width="100%" tdc_css="eyJhbGwiOnsibWFyZ2luLWJvdHRvbSI6IjIwIiwiZGlzcGxheSI6IiJ9fQ=="][td_block_title title_tag="h3" custom_title="Landmannalaugar" f_header_font_weight="700" f_header_font_transform="" tdc_css="eyJhbGwiOnsibWFyZ2luLWJvdHRvbSI6IjIwIiwiZGlzcGxheSI6IiJ9fQ==" block_template_id="td_block_template_5" custom_url="https://www.islande-explora.com/voyage-islande/region-sud/gullfoss/"][td_block_text_with_title f_post_font_size="14"] It is without a doubt one of the most beautiful regions of Iceland with its colorful mountains, volcanoes, lakes and glaciers. [/td_block_text_with_title][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/4"][tdm_block_inline_image image="11649" display_inline="yes" media_size_image_height="648" media_size_image_width="1000" content_align_horizontal="content-horiz-center" img_width="100%" tdc_css="eyJhbGwiOnsibWFyZ2luLWJvdHRvbSI6IjIwIiwiZGlzcGxheSI6IiJ9fQ=="][td_block_title title_tag="h3" custom_title="Reykjavík" f_header_font_weight="700" f_header_font_transform="" tdc_css="eyJhbGwiOnsibWFyZ2luLWJvdHRvbSI6IjIwIiwiZGlzcGxheSI6IiJ9fQ==" block_template_id="td_block_template_5" custom_url="https://www.islande-explora.com/voyage-islande/reykjavik/"][td_block_text_with_title f_post_font_size="14"] Visit this city, one of the smallest capitals in the world, but which is nevertheless very lively and conceals a thousand treasures! [/td_block_text_with_title][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/4"][tdm_block_inline_image image="11650" display_inline="yes" media_size_image_height="180" media_size_image_width="240" content_align_horizontal="content-horiz-center" img_width="100%" tdc_css="eyJhbGwiOnsibWFyZ2luLWJvdHRvbSI6IjIwIiwiZGlzcGxheSI6IiJ9fQ=="][td_block_title title_tag="h3" custom_title="Golden Circle" f_header_font_weight="700" f_header_font_transform="" tdc_css="eyJhbGwiOnsibWFyZ2luLWJvdHRvbSI6IjIwIiwiZGlzcGxheSI6IiJ9fQ==" block_template_id="td_block_template_5" custom_url="https://www.islande-explora.com/voyage-islande/region-sud/cercle-d-or/"][td_block_text_with_title f_post_font_size="14"] Also called Golden Circle, this region is known for the beauty of its natural sites Gullfoss, Geysir and Þingvellir. [/td_block_text_with_title][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][td_block_title title_tag="h3" custom_title="Video of the 15 days road trip in Iceland" f_header_font_weight="700" f_header_font_transform="" tdc_css="eyJhbGwiOnsibWFyZ2luLWJvdHRvbSI6IjIwIiwiZGlzcGxheSI6IiJ9fQ==" block_template_id="td_block_template_5"][td_block_video_vimeo playlist_v="142056312" p_horiz_align="content-horiz-left"][td_block_text_with_title f_post_font_size="14"]

This video allows you to discover Iceland in a 15 days road trip through the whole country, from the south coast to the west, through the eastern fjords, the north and even the central highlands. You will discover the spectacular nature with its glaciers, its waterfalls or its ash deserts.

[/td_block_text_with_title][td_block_title title_tag="h2" f_header_font_weight="700" f_header_font_transform="" f_header_font_size="18" tdc_css="eyJhbGwiOnsibWFyZ2luLWJvdHRvbSI6IjIwIiwiZGlzcGxheSI6IiJ9fQ==" custom_title="Why travel to Iceland?"][td_block_text_with_title f_post_font_size="14"]

You want to discover a wild country only a few hours by plane from France, then go to Iceland and discover one of the most beautiful countries in the world thanks to its spectacular nature.

This island will please the passionate of big spaces, mountains, volcanoes and ice. It is not for nothing that it is called the Land of Ice and Fire. By browsing our site, you can learn more about this place, prepare your trip to Iceland, find the right itinerary, places to visit, excursions and many other tips and advice on Iceland.

To discover Iceland, you also have to know how to play with the weather and its brightness. Because the weather is not always good and the temperatures are often fresh. We can even say that the weather is often hostile and the climate rarely warm. The day is also very different from one season to another with the midnight sun in the summer and a very short day in the winter which allows to see sometimes an aurora borealis.

A stay in Iceland is a real human adventure that you will not forget in a hurry thanks to the many wonders that can be found there: glacier, volcano, fjord, ash desert, lava field covered with moss, waterfall or deep blue lake. And we must not forget the urbanized areas with the capital Reykjavik, the city of Akureyri or Husavik, as well as many other villages.

To go to Iceland is also to discover its inhabitants, who are friendly, helpful, modern and cultured, but who may seem cold at first sight. So don't hesitate to talk to them to learn more about them and the history of their country, from the colonization of the country, to the tourism explosion, through the time under the domination of Denmark and the crisis of 2008!

[/td_block_text_with_title][tdm_block_inline_image image="11837" display_inline="yes" media_size_image_height="600" media_size_image_width="900" img_width="100%" content_align_horizontal="content-horiz-center" tdc_css="eyJhbGwiOnsibWFyZ2luLWJvdHRvbSI6IjQ1IiwiZGlzcGxheSI6IiJ9fQ=="][td_block_title title_tag="h3" custom_title="Frequently asked questions about Iceland" f_header_font_weight="700" f_header_font_transform="" tdc_css="eyJhbGwiOnsibWFyZ2luLWJvdHRvbSI6IjIwIiwiZGlzcGxheSI6IiJ9fQ==" block_template_id="td_block_template_5"][td_block_text_with_title f_post_font_size="14"]

⭐️ How to go to Iceland?

To get to this country, the easiest way is to fly to Reykjavik Keflavik International Airport. It is served by many airlines and can be reached from most major European cities (Paris, Brussels, Berlin, London, etc.) or North America (Montreal, New York, Washington, etc.).

💰 How much does a trip to Iceland cost?

This country is often described as one of the most expensive in the world and it is true. It is necessary to count from 200 to 500 euros per person for a round trip to Iceland from France or other European countries, minimum 30 euros per day for the rental of a small car or between 80 and 250 euros per night in a hotel (except if you take a camping type of accommodation). Renting a motorhome costs between 100 and 500 euros per night depending on the type of vehicle! The average price for a day for 1 to 3 weeks of vacation is between 80 and 300 euros per day per person.

🚗 How to get around in Iceland?

Iceland is a relatively large and sparsely populated country, so public transportation is not very well developed and it is easier to rent a car to move between the different sites to visit on the national road 1.

[/td_block_text_with_title][tdm_block_inline_image image="9797" display_inline="yes" media_size_image_height="600" media_size_image_width="900" img_width="100%" content_align_horizontal="content-horiz-center" tdc_css="eyJhbGwiOnsibWFyZ2luLWJvdHRvbSI6IjQ1IiwiZGlzcGxheSI6IiJ9fQ=="][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][td_block_title title_tag="h2" f_header_font_weight="700" f_header_font_transform="" f_header_font_size="18" tdc_css="eyJhbGwiOnsibWFyZ2luLWJvdHRvbSI6IjIwIiwiZGlzcGxheSI6IiJ9fQ==" custom_title="What to do in Iceland?"][td_block_text_with_title f_post_font_size="14"] Discover all the activities you can do during an Icelandic trip! On the program:

Enjoy the Icelandic swimming pools and hot baths, a real institution in this country with a cold climate.
Admire the wonders of nature with the Northern Lights illuminating the Icelandic sky between September and March.
Observe the local Icelandic fauna and more particularly the huge whales and the small puffins.

Driving in Iceland is not easy, as the road network is quite different from the rest of Europe, so be sure to check out the Icelandic road conditions site.
The weather is often unstable in Iceland, so go to the Icelandic reference site Vedur.is.
When to go to Iceland? You will find the right time of the year to make your trip.

[/td_block_text_with_title][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][td_block_title title_tag="h2" f_header_font_weight="700" f_header_font_transform="" f_header_font_size="18" tdc_css="eyJhbGwiOnsibWFyZ2luLWJvdHRvbSI6IjIwIiwiZGlzcGxheSI6IiJ9fQ==" custom_title="Understanding the country and its culture"][td_block_text_with_title f_post_font_size="14"] Country of Fire and Ice, Iceland is marked by the elements. The volcanism and the climate have also marked the history of the island. So before you leave, why not do a little research?

[/td_block_text_with_title][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][td_block_title title_tag="h2" f_header_font_weight="700" f_header_font_transform="" f_header_font_size="18" tdc_css="eyJhbGwiOnsibWFyZ2luLWJvdHRvbSI6IjIwIiwiZGlzcGxheSI6IiJ9fQ==" custom_title="Share your Icelandic experience!"][td_block_text_with_title f_post_font_size="14"] You went to Iceland and you wish to share photos, videos, your trip or any other experience in connection with Iceland, do not hesitate to contact us! We will be able to publish if you wish to share your passion for this beautiful island. [/td_block_text_with_title][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][/tdc_zone]]]>

Budget for a trip to Iceland

Ath78 — Sun, 18 Oct 2020 18:30:43 +0000

The budget of a trip With these data, it is not surprising that a trip to Iceland is expensive, even very expensive. You should therefore plan a good budget if you want to make the most of your stay there, without restricting yourself too much. It can also be interesting to shift the dates of your vacation to take advantage of more advantageous rates, especially for tickets, accommodation and car rental.

Airline prices

This is probably the cheapest part of the trip, a flight from Paris to Reykjavik or other cities in Europe does not cost much more than flights to other cities for the same distance. It is often necessary to count 100 to 200 euros per person, but it is possible to find cheaper with low-costs like Transavia. To take advantage of the best airfare, it is necessary to order in advance, not to leave during school vacations or during the weekend. The average budget for an airplane flight:

between France and Iceland is about 100 to 200 euros depending on the period and it can go down to 50 euros for the cheapest to more than 450 euros.
between Belgium and Iceland is about 100 to 200 euros, the rates are very close to France.
between Switzerland and Iceland is about 150 to 300 euros, so they are higher than in France and Belgium.
between Canada and Iceland is about 250 and 500 euros, so they can go up to 800 euros.

The easiest way to choose your ticket is to look at price comparison websites.

Accommodation budget

Whether you opt for a hotel, a B&B or even camping, the budgets to be planned are very consequent and they can quickly block. And don't expect to get better rates if you leave the big cities, as prices are often even higher due to the lack of competing offers. [table id="21" /]

Price of transportation

Almost imperative if you want to move around the country, the rental car is very expensive in the country, you will rarely find cars for less than 40 euros a day (mainly in low season), because the price is more often between 60 and 80 euros for a classic car and it can go up to more than 150 euros a day for a big 4X4 type Land Cruiser. Car rental is not the only transportation option in Iceland, and bus and cab fares are also higher. Overall, the cost of travel in this country is about 50% higher than in France. [table id="22" /] Gasoline is also more expensive than in most European countries, but the difference varies according to oil prices. Prices are around 1.50 € per liter at the moment, but it can go up to more than 2€.

Price of food and catering

Since most food products have to be imported and even for local products, wage costs are high, food will be very expensive. In supermarkets, the cost of your basket will often be 40% higher than in France. [table id="23" /] In terms of food, prices are also important with rates sometimes doubled compared to France, especially for restaurants with starter, main course and dessert, but also for fast food (30 to 50% more). Only the famous Icelandic hot dogs, the pylsur, are accessible with prices around 5 euros.

Price of the activities

Side activities are quite rare in Iceland, you can very well make a stay without paying any excursion or museum, but it can be interesting to do some like museums, horse riding, quad biking, visiting an ice cave, etc. The costs are also high, both for museums (about 20 to 30 € the place) and for excursions (prices vary according to the activities) or hot baths (several tens of euros).

Estimated average budget for a trip to Iceland

After having all this information, you then wonder how much a trip to this country can cost. The data is taken for two adults in a 2 star hotel or gite, traveling from France.

Cost of a 4 day weekend

This trip includes 2 days in Reykjavik and an additional excursion to the Golden Circle.

Round trip airplane : 600 euros
Accommodation: 300 €.
Food and drink: 320 €.
Transport : 50 €.
Excursions and activities: 200 €.

TOTAL = 1 470 €.

Cost of an 8 day trip

This trip includes the discovery of the south coast up to Jökulsarlon, so it is necessary to rent a car.

Round trip airplane : 600 euros
Accommodation: 640 €.
Food and drink: 700 €.
Transportation: 500 €.
Excursion and activity: 300 €.

TOTAL = 2 740 €.

Cost of a 15 day trip

This trip includes a tour of the island by road, so you need to rent a car.

Round trip airplane : 600 euros
Accommodation: 1250 €.
Food and drink: 1400 €.
Transportation: 800 €.
Excursion and activity: 600 €.

TOTAL = 4 650 €.]]>

Hot baths in Iceland: springs and pools

Ast85 — Mon, 03 Jun 2024 20:44:53 +0000

trip to Iceland, you won't be able to miss one of the country's traditions, and this for hundreds of years: swimming! However, at first sight, it is not the heat of the Icelandic climate that would push you to bathe, but it should be remembered that the many volcanoes of the country offer to this island a boiling ground and thus hot springs in abundance! You will find on this page all you need to know about this main activity of Iceland with some explanations about Icelandic hot baths, but especially the most beautiful spots to bathe in this country, whether in pools or natural springs!

Hot springs and Iceland, a true tradition

For centuries now, almost since the beginning of the colonization, Icelanders have been able to take advantage of one of the great benefits of volcanism that reigns supreme on the island, the hot springs! Water from glaciers, snow and rain seeps into the ground and at a depth of a few dozen meters meets the heat released by the magma (at a depth of 1 km, the temperature generally reaches 250°C). It will then heat up, sometimes to almost 100°C (as in Deildartunguhver) and rise to the surface in springs to flow into rivers, but also sometimes pools that will make perfect swimming pools. Very quickly, Icelanders took advantage of this gift of nature, building dozens of swimming pools to take advantage of this natural heat. Besides, one sees in the country of many localities which took the name "Laugar" (hot bath as in Landmannalaugar) and "Hver" (hot spring as in Deildartunguhver). Over the years, swimming pools and hot tubs - whether natural or artificial - have become a real tradition and an essential place of socialization for the inhabitants of this island. In fact, in summer and winter, they take advantage of the warm water to meet their neighbors and friends and chat, but also to relax or take care of their body. Today, children are required by law to learn to swim, and in order to graduate from college, you may have to prove your swimming skills.

Baths and pools by the thousands!

Important for the Icelanders, the swimming pools are counted by hundreds in the country. Although the island has only 300,000 inhabitants, there are no less than 120 municipal swimming pools (sometimes even in small villages), most of which are heated by nature. Some hotels, guesthouses or farms also have their own swimming pools, often in the form of hot spots (or hot springs). In addition to these establishments, there are also dozens of natural baths, rivers and geothermal springs that are less well known and much more confidential. Each of them will have a particular character and they are sometimes located in breathtaking landscapes! In Icelandic public baths, we also find this type of typical Icelandic jacuzzi, which is called hot spot or hot spring. It is a small circular pool with very hot water (between 37° and 42°C) and is surrounded by steam. Bathing in it when it's only a few degrees outside, or even snowing, is truly a unique experience. The particularity of the Icelandic hot baths is that each of them will have a water that will bring you different benefits thanks to the richness of the mineralized water by the volcanic basement. Some waters will be rich in natural salts, others in silica, sulfur, etc. Last but not least, the water in these pools is constantly renewed and therefore it is not necessary to use chemical products for hygiene reasons. However, before sinking into this pleasant water, it is mandatory to go through a complete shower in Adam or Eve clothes! So be careful if you are modest!

Small tips

If you bathe in an Icelandic hot tub, or even if you take advantage of the naturally heated water showers, be careful with your silver jewelry! Water is indeed rich in silica, which will result in tarnishing or blackening your silver jewelry. To repair the damage, there are a few solutions, like boiling water with aluminum foil and baking soda.

The most beautiful places to swim in Iceland

As we said above, there are hundreds of places in Iceland where you can bathe and enjoy the benefits of hot water. At the bend of a track when you drive inland, you may find hot springs, but do not venture there, as the water can be hot, but also dangerous because it is too acidic! So, to orient you, you will find which are the most atypical and beautiful places of this country. By the way, don't hesitate to share in comments other natural pools you have discovered in this country.

Blue Lagoon

Without doubt the most famous place of Iceland, this hot water pool which seems natural is in fact artificial, because it is in fact the rejection of water of a geothermal plant. However, the result is really superb with a large pool with milky waters, because rich in silica, and a complex with a hotel, a spa and a restaurant. Located between Reykjavik and Keflavik airport, it is also very accessible. There are on the other hand weak points, with the entry to the Blue Lagoon which is really very expensive (nearly 50 euros or 5400 ISK the entry!) and the frequentation, which is too important.

Grettislaug

Located in the north of the country, Grettislaug is a place where you can enjoy two Icelandic hot baths. There are the Grettislaug and Earl's pools, which offer a temperature of 39°C that varies according to the weather. Small particularity, you can also swim in the sea, but be careful the temperature is much, much, lower! There is also a cabin for changing, but it is not free.

Helluglaug

It is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular Icelandic baths because of its location. Indeed, the natural pool of Helluglaug is located a few meters from the sea and offers an exceptional panorama on one of the fjords of the Vestfirðir version. Of completely natural origin, the water is of a fairly constant temperature of 38°C for a dimension of 4 m on 3 and a depth of 70 cm.

Hveravellir

This magnificent geothermal place offers, in addition, a sublime hot bath, which is fed by the hot river. The setting is quite heavenly and a little break in this pool will do you a lot of good, especially since the water is often close to 40°C.

Krossholtslaug

Along the road along the southern coast of the western fjords, Krossholtslaug is a nice hot water pool with a few meters below a hot pot with boiling water. From this pool you can enjoy a beautiful view of the sea.

Krossneslaug

Located at the end of the road north of the Western Fjords, along the Strandir coast, Krossnes Spring is situated between the mountains and the ocean, in one of the most isolated places in the country. There is a small pool with hot water at 32°C, as well as a hot pot at 38°C. The view is magnificent overlooking a beach littered with driftwood.

Landmannalaugar

In one of the most beautiful landscapes of Iceland, there is a hot spring in which you will have the possibility of bathing in a water of 40°C. The campsite is close by, so you can easily change and enjoy this natural, but somewhat landscaped, warm river.

Laugafellslaug

To swim in Laugafellslaug, you have to go to the heart of Iceland, in the Highlands. Located at the crossroads of the F821 and F752 tracks, in the middle of a wild nature, we discover a small basin dug in the ground of a few meters for a depth between 50 cm and 1,5 meters. Advantage of this place, you will be able to take advantage of the swimming pool with water between 33 and 37°C.

Laugarvatn Fontana

The geothermal baths of Laugarvatn Fontana are in fact a real tourist complex combining hotel, spa and sauna where you can enjoy the benefits of natural hot water. This place is very appreciated by Icelanders and frequented by many tourists, because it is located not far from Reykjavik, in the heart of the Golden Circle. There are several pools with different temperatures and it is similar in shape to the Blue Lagoon.

Myvatn Nature Bath

It is a little the miniature version of the Blue Lagoon, but this time it is found in the north of the country, just near Myvatn. It was built in 1996 and has a large pool (smaller than the Blue Lagoon) with a milky blue color. The complex also includes spa and treatment services, as well as a restaurant. The prices vary according to the season between 3800 ISK and 4300 ISK.

Nauteyrarlaug

It is located, again, in the northwestern fjords, near the huge fjord Isafjörður on the road 635, right next to the small church of Nauteyrarkirkja. Then you have to walk along a small track to reach a small shallow pool with a diameter of 4 m, and whose water is at 40°C. Entirely natural, this pool is completed with a small wooden hut where you can change easily.

Reykjadalur

Accessible in only 35 minutes by car from Reykjavik (on route 1), the warm river from Reykjadalur to Hveragerði is a truly amazing place where you can take a dip in a river. But be careful, to reach it, you have to make a short hike of one hour quite easy. Unfortunately, the site is well known and therefore you will not be there alone.

Reykjanes

On a peninsula on the banks of the Isafjörður River, the Reykjanes hot spring belongs to a hotel built in an old school. 50 meters long (!), it is the longest in Iceland and it is surrounded by a good panorama unfortunately obstructed by a wall on the north side. It is ideal for a break during a stay in the Westfjords.

Secret Lagoon

Located right in the Golden Circle, in Fluðir, the Secret Lagoon, also called Gamla Laugin in Icelandic, is one of the first natural pools built by men. The water is between 38° and 40°C and you can enjoy less tourist traffic than in other places.

Seljavallalaug

Close to Eyjafjallajökull and Skógafoss is the beautiful hot pool of Seljavallalaug located in a small valley south of the famous volcano. The pool is nearly 28 meters long and 10 meters wide, which makes for a good swim, especially since the water is slightly above 30°C. To change your clothes, you will have access to a small dilapidated cabin...

Viti d'Askja

To reach this hot bath, you have to drive on tracks for hours, then walk for several kilometers. You will arrive in the middle of a volcanic caldera often covered with snow, on a small crater of a magnificent blue. While the outside temperature rarely exceeds 10°C, the water in Askja often reaches 25°C. A unique experience to do! ]]>

Climate of Iceland

Ath78 — Fri, 01 Jul 2016 10:54:53 +0000

geography of Iceland and its relief.

General characteristics

The Icelandic coast has a temperate oceanic climate (Köppen classification of Dfc type), while the highlands of this country know a much harsher climate of Tundra type, continental (on certain zones protected from the maritime influence) or even polar (on the inlandsis and the glaciers).However, if there is indeed a principal character of the Icelandic climate, it is its persistent freshness (seldom more than 15°C) and especially its great variability and instability! Indeed, the presence of a warm current from the southwest to the northeast (the Irminger current) and a cold current (the Greenland current) to the north of the island, as well as its location not far from the polar air masses of the Arctic and the mild and humid Atlantic, cause the creation of a low-pressure minimum near the island and therefore many storms and precipitations. On the program, you will have the right to many changes of weather during the same day as well in terms of temperatures as precipitation or cloudiness (even if the weather is often cloudy).

Temperature

First point when we are interested in the climate of Iceland, we look at the temperatures. These are cool, even in summer, not exceeding 15°C on average. In winter, at least on the coasts, temperatures rarely go below -2°C on average (average minimum and maximum of the day). There is therefore little variability in temperature in Iceland, except inland where it can be as low as -10°C in winter for a similar summer temperature. [caption id="attachment_13731" align="aligncenter" width="629"] Average annual temperature of Iceland[/caption] During the same day, temperatures vary little, with only a few degrees between morning and afternoon. As far as temperatures are concerned, the coldest on the coast are in the north, for example in Akureyri, and they are much milder on the south coast. In summer, some fjords in the East and North also experience quite high temperatures, with the thermometer rising to as much as 20 to 25°C on certain days... [caption id="attachment_13730" align="aligncenter" width="658"] Average temperature in Iceland in July[/caption] The record temperatures were -39.7°C at Grímsstaðir in Fjöllum (North of the country) and 30.6°C at Teigarhorn (East Fjord). For Reykjavik, the maximum temperature is 25.7°C and a minimum of -19.7°C. In Akureyri, the differences are more obvious with -23°C and +29.4°C. [caption id="attachment_13729" align="aligncenter" width="641"] Average temperature of Iceland in January[/caption]

Climate data of Reykjavik

[table id="2" /]

Climate data of Akureyri

[table id="3" /]

Precipitation

Close to one of the lowest pressure zones in the world, Iceland is a place where many depressions form and circulate, which then reach Europe. This situation causes wind and also a lot of precipitation. Concerning the precipitations, they are in general very numerous as we can see it with this map. The largest quantities are found in the southern regions of the country, as well as in the southeast and west (including the northwestern fjords). It is on the reliefs and the main glaciers that we find the most important precipitations with more than 2000 mm. Some areas, such as Vatnajökull, Eyjafjallajökull, Mýrdalsjökull or Langjökull, even reach very high amounts with more than 4000 mm per year! On the contrary, some areas are almost steppe-like, like the plateaus north of Vatnajökull which receive less than 600 mm, or even 400 mm. This area is indeed subject to foehn winds, with the moisture flowing over the mountain and the air mass drying out. [caption id="attachment_13728" align="aligncenter" width="475"] Average precipitation in Iceland: 1. < 600 mm; 2. 600 - 1199 mm; 3. 1200 - 1999 mm; 4. 2000 - 3999 mm and 5. > 4000 mm[/caption] It rains the most between October and January, and the least between April and June, both in terms of quantity and number of days. Concerning the two biggest cities of the country, Reykjavik is quite sheltered from precipitations with about 800 mm and 150 days of rain and snow (against more than 1000 mm in the surroundings). Akureyri is even more protected, with only 490 mm and 102 days of precipitation. In the small municipality of Vík í Mýrdal in the south of the country, the precipitation is much more impressive with 2273 mm. In winter, precipitation is often snow and rain mixed on the coasts and is almost exclusively snowy inland. As for thunderstorms, they are extremely rare, with less than five days per year, mainly in late summer.

Winds

The lows that circulate over Iceland or near the country cause winds that are often violent and almost daily. As the island is not far from the heart of the lows, the winds often turn with great importance from the east, northeast and west and northwest sectors. Of course, the wind can vary according to the topography of the place and the altitude. Concerning the strength of the wind, it can be very violent during the big storms which take place mainly in winter or in summer (ex tropical cyclone which goes up the Atlantic). But the wind is not only strong, because Icelanders have 8 denominations for the different wind forces, from logn (weak) to rok (strong). The most exposed areas are the coasts (northwest, west and south) and also the highlands, including the plateaus north of Vatnajökull or in the south, which are subject to the powerful foehn effect and katabatic winds. The Icelandic foehn wind forms when precipitation is blocked on one side of the mountain. The air rises, dries out and warms up, then falls back down the slopes of the glacier. He then finds immense plains of ash without relief, nor tree to slow him down. This dry wind is turbulent and not very bearable. The cabatic wind is quite similar to the foehn, except that it is a cold air current. In early summer, sandstorms can also occur in the north, but also in the southern sandur areas. During these events, tons of material (sand and ash) can be transported at high speed and cause damage. [caption id="attachment_13727" align="aligncenter" width="528"] Wind map of Iceland[/caption]

Cloudiness

The island is surrounded by water and in an often disturbed area, so the climate in Iceland is quite cloudy. Rare are the days without any clouds, but also the days totally blocked because the fog is rather rare (thanks to the wind) and that the weather changes often. Most of the days will therefore see alternating clouds, sun, rain, etc. Concerning the number of hours of sunshine, the data for Akureyri are 1042 hours, which is low (1692 hours in Paris, 2917 hours in Toulon). For Reykjavik, it is a little better with 1268 hours. The sunshine is more important on the dry plateaus of the north center.

The different seasons

As with all countries above the tropics, Iceland has four seasons in its climate. However, in this very oceanic country, the seasons are not necessarily very marked, because the winter is not excessively cold (especially if you look at the latittude) and the summer is very cool.

In spring, Iceland slowly comes out of the winter torpor as the days go by, even if the snow is still largely present. The sun is becoming more and more generous, only setting for a few hours at the end of May. Storms, as well as rain, tend to subside.
Summer is the most pleasant season in Iceland, even if temperatures rarely exceed 15°C on average, with rare peaks around 25 or 30°C in the hottest places (northern and eastern fjords). It generally rains regularly, but less than in winter or in the autumn, and the sun is also relatively generous.

The autonomy sees the arrival of storms, snow (sometimes on the coasts from the end of September!). With the decrease of the luminosity, the temperatures drop little by little and the frosts reappear.
Winter is logically the coldest season, minimum temperatures are close to 0°C near the coasts and much lower as soon as you go inland. However, rain is not rare, especially in Reykjavik as the lows pass. In any case, the weather is very changeable.

Aurora Borealis and midnight sun

Two spectacular and very common phenomena in Iceland are related to the sky. These are the northern lights and the midnight sun. Being very close to the Arctic Circle, Iceland has very short nights around June, or even none at all on the island of Grimsey (extreme north). Even in the south, the nights can reach 20 or 22 hours in June. On the program: the midnight sun and the splendid lights that go with it! With the arrival of the autonomous, the days shorten very quickly, and in December one counts only 1 to 4 hours of sun per day according to the areas. It is during this time of the year that the magnificent Northern Lights appear in Iceland. This phenomenon is created by the solar winds that carry particles. These, while entering the magnetosphere, then the atmosphere, will meet oxygen and nitrogen atoms and cause immense auroras with multiple colors and forms. To see them, it is better to move away from the cities, to wait for the night to fall and the sky to be clear.

When to go to Iceland

The Icelandic climate is therefore difficult and the weather very changeable, but when should you leave for this island of a thousand beauties? You can find more information on :

When should I go to Iceland? During which seasons? What to see depending on the month you go to Iceland?
Iceland weather to know the weather, because the weather changes very quickly in this country!

]]>

Going to Iceland in winter

Ast85 — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 09:37:25 +0000

Going to Iceland in winter? It sounds a bit crazy and yet more and more tourists are trying this unique experience of discovering this island lost in the high latitudes of the North Atlantic during the winter season. And why is that? No doubt to discover even wilder landscapes, marked by nature and its power, covered most of the time by a magnificent white coat and lit up many nights by these magical lights that we call aurora borealis! Then, of course, to leave in Iceland during winter it is also the risk to undergo the weather, between storm, rain, blizzard and snow, to live at the rhythm of the very little present sun or to venture in a more wild and dangerous nature than during summer.

However, the experience is unique and often very successful, so let's go and find out everything you need to know about a trip to Iceland during the winter season from December to March. To go there is to discover a spectacular destination!

Why travel in winter?

At first sight rather far-fetched, a trip during the Icelandic cold season (between December and March) does not have only disadvantages. This is what you will see below.

Travelling to Iceland in Winter

Benefits

Here is a short list of the most important advantages of a winter trip to Iceland:

The magnificent landscapes, because most of the time covered with snow, we discover panoramas which have nothing to do with those without snow.
Tourist numbers are much lower during the winter, so you can better enjoy the main tourist sites that are sometimes besieged by crowds in summer.
Take advantage of the Icelanders, because in winter they are more present than during the other months of the year.
Admire the magnificent northern lights that illuminate the night sky of Iceland. They appear mostly between September and March.
Take advantage of lower rates, as hotels are often cheaper during this season.

Disadvantages

And now we turn to the more negative sides of this time of year:

Except if you like the cold or if you are used to it, the Icelandic winter weather is quite harsh without necessarily being cold (more info in the paragraph below). However, it rains or snows often, the temperatures are cold but not much more, but the wind is often terrible!
The day length is very low especially in December and January with only 5 hours of daylight in Reykjavik and less in the north.
Many tourist sites are closed because they are inaccessible during the winter, which is a real shame.
Roads can often be closed due to the weather, so it is important to plan a fairly flexible route.

The winter climate

One of the main obstacles to a winter trip to Iceland is of course the climate. This Atlantic island is not known for its very mild weather, even in summer. So during the winter the weather does not improve. However, despite the very high latitude, temperatures are not low thanks to the Gulf Stream (or more particularly the North Atlantic Drift) which brings a certain mildness. In Reykjavik, the average temperature is around -2°C to 0°C, which is roughly equivalent to Munich or New York. The southern coast is even milder with temperatures often positive and snow that rarely stays on the ground long. On the other hand, the northwestern, northern and eastern regions are experiencing much cooler and snowier weather. In the center of the country, the climate is continentalized and temperatures can often approach -10°C, even -20°C. The warm current of the North Atlantic Drift which bathes the south of Iceland brings a relative softness in Iceland, but it also creates strong contrasts of air mass with the presence of Greenland and a cold current in the north of the island. Iceland is thus located in one of the most depressive places on Earth, which causes regular storms sometimes very strong (more than 200 km/h!), frequent precipitations (snow, but also rain) and regular variations of temperatures (in one day, it can be 5°C in the morning and -5°C in the afternoon). Of course, it can also be dry for several days, but on a winter trip to Iceland you should rather expect frequent changes in the weather and therefore have an adaptable route. So watch the weather every day!

Getting ready to go to Iceland in winter

You have decided to go to Iceland during the winter season, so be careful to prepare yourself well, because this period brings its share of dangers. You will find here everything you need to know to organize your stay, from booking plane tickets to renting a car or even what you need to bring...

Book your plane

The season is much less touristy, except around Christmas and New Year's Day, but it is still necessary to book your flight in advance, as there are fewer airlines serving this country. You will still be able to take advantage of slightly lower rates than in summer. The main airlines in this season are :

Icelandair
EasyJet

More information aboutflying in Iceland on this page.

Should I rent a car?

This will necessarily depend on what you plan to do. If you mainly want to visit Reykajvik and do only a few organized or bus-accessible expeditions, then this is not worth it. If you want to discover the country, then you have to rent a car, you will not have much choice especially in winter, because the buses are much less numerous. As road conditions can change very quickly during this season, it is highly recommended to take a four-wheel drive vehicle, or even a real off-roader. You won't be able to venture on the tracks which are almost all closed, so on the other hand you don't have to take a super 4x4 like Land Cruiser, a Duster can be enough.

Rent a car in Iceland

Another important point is that vehicles are normally equipped with winter tires, so driving on snow or ice is not as dangerous as one might think. There are just a few important points to respect and follow when driving on Icelandic roads in winter:

Check the road conditions every day on the very good site Road.is
If the road is icy or snowy, do not drive fast and allow for long braking distances.
In case of snow, blizzard or fog, turn on all your lights and drive at a walking pace.
During storms, avoid driving, especially in open plains, as the wind can blow your vehicle over.

What to bring

If you go to Iceland during the cold season, you should think about being well equipped or you might get a little cold and even hypothermia. So you have to be careful with the clothes you are going to take. In your suitcase, you will have to find :

Warm and waterproof clothing such as parkas or ski clothes, gloves, warm pants, under-gloves, hats, scarves, warm underwear, etc. Be careful not to hesitate to take quality clothes. To keep warm, the easiest way is to have several layers of clothing: winter polo, fleece, parka, etc.
Shoes for walking in the snow
Crampons to avoid slipping on the ice.
If you plan to go hiking, the essentials such as maps, GPS, walking sticks, hiking backpack, water bottle
Warmers and survival blankets if you get stuck in a storm

Where to sleep?

While in summer it is possible to sleep in a camper or tent, it is almost impossible to do so in winter simply because of the cold. You will have to sleep in hotels, BnBs or B&Bs. Prices are high and there may not be much room, as many establishments are closed during the winter season. You can find more information on this page about accommodation in Iceland. Booking.com

What to do in Iceland during this season

So what are you going to do if you come to this island between December and March? Although the country is best known for its nature activities, there are other ways to have fun and make the most of your stay. This is what we will see below:

Admire the Northern Lights: they are visible between September and March, so winter is the ideal season to see them with your own eyes. For this, it is advisable to watch the weather of the Northern Lights and to move away from the big cities.
Visit Reykjavik and enjoy its museums: the Icelandic capital has the advantage of offering many activities (like museums) indoors. So even in bad weather, you can easily keep busy.
Visiting the country: you can also go to discover the wilder Iceland, but beware of many roads may be closed. The easiest areas are the Golden Circle, Route 1 up to Jökulsárlón, but you can also do the whole route 1.
Skiing: Iceland has a few small alpine ski areas, so you can take advantage of skiing in this country. The best trails are to the north.
Go snowshoeing and discover the beautiful snowy landscapes that this place has to offer.
Visit an ice cave
Enjoy Christmas and/or New Year's Day in Reykajvik: it is an opportunity to discover Icelandic folklore and to enjoy the hundreds of fireworks that light up the sky of Reykjavik for New Year's Eve.
Bathing in the hot springs and pools is a unique experience especially when it is very cold outside or even snowing!
Mountaineering or speleology: some agencies offer multi-activity in winter.

Discover Iceland :

]]>

Going to Iceland in autumn

Ast85 — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 19:25:59 +0000

go to Iceland during this season? Simply because the Icelandic autumn is a magnificent period where you will be able to admire magnificent landscapes sublimated by the autumnal colors, the northern lights and also the first snow, the whole while avoiding the bulk of the tourist influx. So, let's go for an Icelandic trip between September and November?

Why go on a trip to Iceland in autumn?

First important point: while in France the summer continues until the middle of September, in Iceland the meteorological autumn often arrives from the first days of this month to end in November. But then why would you want to visit this country when the weather is getting worse and especially when the daylight hours are getting shorter?

The advantages

The attendance is much lower, from the beginning of September, but especially from the 15th of that month and in October and November. It is therefore possible to visit the Golden Circle or the south coast of the island without being overwhelmed by tourists and all the inconveniences that go with it.
Prices are also decreasing, especially for car rental and accommodation.
Autumn is the beginning of the Northern Lights season, so if the night is clear, from the beginning of September you will be able to admire these magnificent lights, which seem magical, dancing in the stratosphere, but only if the sky is clear!
Even though trees are rare in the country, all the vegetation takes its autumn color with more red, orange and brown tones. Concerning the trees, the leaves fall quickly, because from October they have almost none. The color contrast is also striking with the mountain tops that are quickly covered with a beautiful white coat.

The disadvantages

The weather becomes really wet from the beginning or middle of September, with many storms (with winds sometimes higher than 150 km/h!), a lot of rain and also the first snows in October on a good part of the country. However, as the Icelandic weather is extremely changeable, it can also be sunny for a few days, quite mild or very rainy, snowy, even freezing (sometimes -5°C, even -10°C in Reykjavik in October!).
The day length decreases very quickly, and if it is still important in September, from the beginning of October it falls to less than 12 hours and at the beginning of November it is only 7 to 8 hours on the island. In the north, the length of the day is of course much less important.
It will be more difficult to travel throughout the country, as F-road trails usually close around September 15 or 20 (when the first snow falls) and even paved roads may be temporarily closed during severe storms or snowfalls.

The climate in autumn in Iceland

As we said above, the climate is one of the main drawbacks of a trip to Iceland between September and November. However, it is important to know that between these three months, there is a big difference in terms of temperature, rainfall and of course brightness. As far as temperatures are concerned, the difference is quite obvious between the beginning of September, which is still quite mild with temperatures close to summer (generally between 10 and 15°C in the afternoon on the coasts), and the end of the month where temperatures rarely exceed 10°C and where the first frosts arrive. In the Highlands, conditions can quickly become wintry in the last weeks of the month. In October, the drop is significant, as it is rare to exceed 10°C in the afternoon and the first cold spells arrive. In November, it is almost winter, especially in the Highlands which are then heavily snowed. In terms of precipitation, the Icelandic autumn is very wet with no less than 14 days of rain in October and a little less in September and November in Reykjavik. Most importantly, the amount of water falling is among the highest of the year across the country. Storms are also frequent and sometimes very violent with winds that can exceed 150 km/h. In terms of luminosity, the daylight hours are about 12 hours in September, 9 hours in October and 5 to 6 hours in November. Moreover, as the cloud cover is often important, the number of hours when the sun is seen is increasingly low, between 90 and 120 hours for September (depending on the city), 50 and 80 hours in October and 15 and 40 in November! To summarize, the Icelandic climate in autumn is particularly changeable, because it is subject to a double influence, that of the North Atlantic drift which brings mildness and humidity and that of the Arctic-Greenland which brings a dry cold. The contrast between the two often creates powerful storms, heavy precipitation and already a lot of snow at the first heights. However, it is still possible to have a few days of respite with a high pressure system protecting Iceland.

Preparing to go to Iceland in autumn

You are not afraid of the weather and you want to discover Iceland in autumn, but how to prepare? Find out everything you need to do before leaving to visit this North Atlantic island between September and October.

Take a flight to Iceland

To go to Iceland, two solutions: the plane or the ferry. It is therefore more than likely that you will choose the first one. Iceland is very well served from many airports around the world. From France, it is possible to fly to Iceland from :

Paris (Orly and Roissy) with Icelandair and Transavia
Basel-Mulhouse with Easy Jet

There are also flights to Keflavik (Reykjavik International Airport) from Brussels, Geneva or Montreal. Beware, from September, some companies do not serve Iceland anymore.

Getting around in the fall

For this less touristy, colder and windier season, it is important to think carefully about your means of transportation. Of course, this will depend on your background and what you want to do. You can opt for :

The car, which is by far the most practical, because it allows to adapt to the weather, to take refuge when the weather is not good and especially to have more freedom. On the other hand, it is also much more expensive, even if car rentals in this season are less expensive. The Highlands being closed (except at the beginning of September), it is not necessarily necessary to have an all-terrain vehicle, but a 4 wheel drive vehicle is an advantage when it snows.
Public transportation, especially if you plan to stay in Reykjavik and visit the surrounding tourist sites. There are fewer buses in the fall, so you have to be careful.
Cycling or hitchhiking, but the weather is clearly not ideal.

Rent a car in Iceland

What to bring in the fall?

Before leaving for Iceland in autumn, it is necessary to pack the right things.

A windproof jacket or soft-shell because the wind is sometimes very violent.
A K-way or a raincoat, as well as waterproof pants, because it rains a lot in the fall.
All-season hiking clothes in September and winter clothes from October. The goal is to have clothes that adapt to the temperature and especially that dry very quickly.
Tights, because the cold can be sharp.
If you go in October or November, don't forget winter clothes, such as a ski suit, because sub-zero temperatures are not uncommon and the wind makes it feel colder.
Fleeces or sweaters to withstand cool or cold temperatures.
Gloves, scarf and hat
A hat or cap for the sun, as well as sunglasses and sunscreen when leaving in September.
A hiking backpack to carry food, water and some accessories during your walks.
Hiking shoes that have already been used to avoid blisters. If you are going in late fall, choose winter hiking boots and take crampons as well.
A bathing suit, because even in this season it is possible to enjoy the hot baths of the country.

Where to sleep?

During the fall season, there are fewer accommodations than during the summer, but on the other hand, prices are also lower. You can find more information about accommodation in Iceland by looking at our various dedicated pages on :

The hotels
Youth hostels
Campsites: only in September, because after that they almost all close, and sleeping in a tent when it is raining, snowing or windy, is not necessarily a very good idea.
The bnb and guesthouses
Motorhomes: it is not always possible to rent one from October onwards, as this type of vehicle is not ideal in cold weather and especially when it is too windy.

What to do during the fall season?

Visiting Iceland during the months of September, October and November allows you to do many activities, even if some of them are no longer or not yet possible.

Go on a roadtrip in Iceland for a few days or weeks. However, access to the Highlands is no longer possible from mid to late September.
Discover the greatest sites of the country, especially on the south coast such as the Golden Circle, Jökulsarlon or Reynisfjara
Walk around Reykjavik to discover its museums, take a break in a café or go out at night.
In September, it is still possible to make beautiful hikes, even a trek.
Despite the low temperature, it is possible to swim in a warm water pool while it is snowing or raining outside!
Admire the magnificent northern lights that populate the Icelandic sky in autumn, but only when it is not too cloudy!
See the beautiful autumn colors that give a warmer touch to the Icelandic landscape!

Discover also :

]]>

Going to Iceland in summer

Ast85 — Thu, 28 May 2026 05:00:00 +0000

when to go there to make the most of this magnificent island with its many beauties. Visiting this country between June and August will allow you to enjoy the summer sun with its very long days where the light almost never disappears (especially the weeks before and after the summer solstice, normally on June 21), to see the nature awake after the snow melting, to discover the multiple birds of the country (more info on the wildlife of Iceland), and especially to take advantage of the cool summer climate of Iceland which will allow you to avoid the suffocating heat of the big French cities. Traveling to Iceland in summer is a great experience, because you will enjoy the most beautiful season in this country. On the other hand, leaving during the summer season is also to suffer the disadvantage of the strong tourist traffic and to have higher prices, as well for the flights, as for the car rental or for your accommodation.

Why travel to Iceland in summer?

Going to Iceland during the warm season is quite logical in many ways, as you can enjoy the relative mildness, travel the whole country and take advantage of the very long days offered by the country's latitude.

Benefits

The climate during the summer season with an average temperature of 15°C in the afternoon, even going up to 20 to 25°C for the hottest days. It generally rains little, and above all the sunshine is more important.
The length of the day which, around June 21, reaches 20 hours in the country, even more in the north. It is never even close to daylight. Even at the end of August, you can enjoy quite long days.
You will be able to discover the whole country, even the highland areas which are closed outside the summer because of impassable tracks. Be careful, however, before mid to late June many trails are still closed, including some that go to Landmannalaugar.
Discover the magnificent landscapes and the sometimes incredible colors that the land and the mountains of this country can have with still snowy zones on the summits.
This is the ideal period for birdwatchers (to see the famous puffins for example) or for those who want to see whales.

Disadvantages

Summer is the busiest time of the year for tourists, so you will have to put up with a lot of tourists in Reykjavik, in the Golden Circle, in Blue Lagoon and along the south coast.
Prices for hotels, car rentals and air travel are often higher during this season. Going off-season can save you between 10 and 30% of the cost of the trip.

The summer climate

Iceland is not known for its warmth and sunshine, so don't expect very good weather, even in the middle of summer. However, the Icelandic weather in June, July and August is relatively pleasant, with less rain, less wind and more sun, as well as daytime temperatures often between 12 and 20°C. Sometimes, when the south wind blows, it is possible, especially in the north and east of the country, to exceed 25°C. On the other hand, you will very rarely be hot, because the maximum temperature in Iceland is 30.6°C in the eastern fjords, but only 25.7°C in Reykjavik or 29.4°C in Akureyri. As far as precipitation is concerned, it is almost exclusively in the form of rain, except above 600 to 800 meters where it can sometimes snow even in summer. It rains less in June and July than in August, when the first storms can appear again. As far as sunshine is concerned, it is also between June and July that it is the most generous, but the sky is also often cloudy. In any case, it should be remembered that Iceland has a subarctic oceanic climate, even polar in some areas. We should therefore not expect heat or sunshine for several weeks, even if anticyclonic blocking situations may bring this type of weather to the country or part of the country. You will have to deal with the unexpected weather during your trip, but the weather that changes often and very quickly (it can rain and be sunny 10 minutes later) is part of the charm of the island and sometimes gives unique and sublime colors to the Icelandic landscapes.

Getting ready to go to Iceland in summer

You have decided to discover Iceland during the summer season? So, maybe it's time to prepare yourself, because to make a trip to this island, there are a lot of things to think about.

Book your flight to Iceland

One of the first things to do when you decide to go to Iceland is to take your plane tickets. There are several companies that offer a flight between Paris and Reykjavik, but also other cities in France (Lyon and Mulhouse) or other French-speaking countries (Montreal in Canada, Geneva in Switzerland or Brussels in Belgium). The main airlines that fly to Iceland from these cities are :

Air Canada
Icelandair
Transavia

You can find more information about flights to Iceland on this page and you can inquire or book directly below!

Getting around: car or other means

After the plane, you will have to ask yourself how to get around on the spot, because Iceland is a rather vast country with often remote tourist sites. The issue of transportation in the country is therefore paramount. In summer, you can travel :

By car: this is the most practical way to get to your destination, which ensures great flexibility and time savings, but the cost is far from negligible. You will have the choice between a passenger car or a 4x4. If you just want to stay on the road 1, the passenger car is enough, but to go to Landmannalaugar or in the Highlands, the 4x4 is mandatory.
By public transport: especially convenient if you don't plan to travel long distances or if you have a tight budget, there are bus routes between the airport and Reykjavik and Blue Lagoon, but also between Reykjavik and most of the major tourist sites (Golden Circle, Landmannalaugar, Thormorsk, etc.).
By bike: some great sportsmen do a part of Iceland by bike, but it is not easy because of the relief, the rain or the wind.
Hitchhiking: if you are patient and don't have a lot of money, this is a great way to travel around the country. Many locals and tourists do not hesitate to take hitchhikers with them.

Rent a car in Iceland

What to bring?

You are going to leave for several days or weeks in Iceland during the summer, but what should you put in your suitcase?

A windproof jacket, because it blows in all seasons and the wind chill can be impressive
A K-way or a raincoat, as well as waterproof pants, because it can rain in any season
All-season hiking clothes: short and long sleeve t-shirts, hiking pants. The goal is to have clothes that dry quickly.
Tights if your legs get cold
Fleeces or sweaters to withstand cooler temperatures
Lightweight gloves, scarf and hat
A hat or cap for the sun
Sunglasses, because it's hot even at midnight
Sunscreen, as sunburns can be violent
A hiking backpack
Hiking shoes that have already been used to avoid blisters
The bathing suit to bathe in the natural warm waters that the country offers

Where to stay?

During the Icelandic "warm" season, the choice of accommodation is much wider than during the other seasons, as all campsites, hostels, cottages, bnb's and hotels are open between the end of June and the end of August. The offer is therefore important, but the number of tourists is also important, so it is better to book your accommodation in advance. You can find more information about accommodation in Iceland by looking at our different pages dedicated to hotels, hostels, campgrounds or motorhomes.

What to do during the summer season?

Going on vacation in Iceland during the months of June, July or August allows you to discover the whole country or almost and to do many activities, except those in winter!

Take a road trip in Iceland for a few days or a few weeks that will allow you to discover a region or the whole country. Discover for example the following roadtrips:
- 2 weeks self drive tour around Iceland
- One week tour between Landmannalaugar and the south coast
Discover the country's greatest sites in the different regions:
- The West of Iceland with the Northwest Fjords or the Snæfellsnes or Reykjanes peninsula.
- The south of the island with magnificent landscapes including those of the Golden Circle, the coast or Jökulsarlon.
- The East of the country with its beautiful fjords.
- The north of Iceland and the lake of Myvatn.
- The center of the island with the Highlands including Landmannalaugar or the Askja Caldera.
Visit Reykjavik and browse its streets, museums and harbor
Hiking in beautiful places or even more treks of several days
Walk on a glacier or in it!
Take advantage of Reykjavik's nightlife during the summer to discover the bars and some festivals.
Bathe in a hot water pool under the midnight sun or enjoy a well-deserved break after a good hike in a boiling water spring in the middle of nature.
Discover the midnight sun and the almost perpetual day between June 5 and July 10
Take a picture and approach the beautiful puffins
Whale and dolphin watching in the deep waters of Iceland
Travel the country on horseback or take a simple horseback riding tour
Admire the flowers that cover Iceland during this season, including the beautiful Alaskan lupines.

Discover also :

]]>

Christmas and New Year in Iceland: what to do during the holidays?

Ath78 — Fri, 06 Dec 2024 15:54:05 +0000

must-see destination, and more and more tourists visit it every year, allowing them to discover this island from another angle, that of a country almost completely covered by a white coat. You will discover in this article everything you need to know about Christmas in Iceland: how do we celebrate Christmas? What traditions do they have? Do they celebrate New Year's Eve? What kind of weather do you expect there? What to do in Iceland during this period? Find out everything you need to know about :

Christmas in Iceland
Icelandic New Year's Day
Other activities to do
Preparing your trip

Christmas in Iceland

Simply called Jól or Yul in Icelandic, this festival is very important for the inhabitants of Iceland, mostly of Lutheran faith (Protestant Christians). However, the origin is even older, long before Christianization. The Scandinavians who settled in Iceland already celebrate the Jól (in French festival of the light) on December 21. It was then the shortest day of the year. With the Christianization around the year 1000, the country combined its ancient feast with the birth of Christ, which resulted in a Christmas celebration different from what we can find in France, England or Germany.

How to make the most of Christmas?

If you want to enjoy the Icelandic Christmas spirit, then you must visit the country during this period. However, there is no need to come on December 25, because the country lives to the rhythm of this festival during the whole of Advent, as Icelanders love this period (it starts 4 Sundays before Christmas). The best place to enjoy Christmas is without a doubt Reykjavik. The city will then be transformed for the end of the year celebrations, with many decorations that will illuminate the main streets of the city and its port. There are also concerts and small Christmas markets on many street corners. The best known are in the center of the capital at Ingólfstorg and Hafnarfjörður. There is also a small Christmas village in the Laugardalur valley east of the city center. You can also go near the city to do other small events. There is also the Árbær Open Air Museum which allows you to discover the Icelandic Christmas traditions and sometimes to see some elves! Outside of the capital, you can also go to Akureyri and enjoy the Christmas Garden, where you can discover Santa's house, but not only.

The tradition of Jól

The Icelandic Christmas is very different from the one in western countries, because this country has its own Christmas tradition that you can discover right here. On this island, the star of this period is not Santa Claus, nor Saint-Nicolas, but 13 merry Christmas boys (in Icelandic Jólasveinar). These mischievous elves replace the big bearded man in a red suit who gives us our Christmas presents, because they also bring presents (sweets or small gifts) in the socks placed at the edge of the windows to the wisest children, but the disobedient children will receive old potatoes. To go into more detail, the thirteen Icelandic lurons descend each year, between December 12 and 24 (one per day!), from the blue mountains of Bláfjöll. Each of them has a different name, which corresponds to the tricks they will bring, because they don't just bring gifts! But who are they :

Stekkjastaur is the first to come down on December 12, he will then drive the sheep crazy by trying to suck the milk from the ewes' udders.
Giljagaur the next day steals the milk from the cows.
Stúfur comes on December 14th and he will scrape the bottoms of pots and pans and eat the leftovers.
Þvörusleikir arrives on the 15th to slip into the kitchens and lick the clean wooden spoons.
Pottasleikir is the licker of pots and pans.
Askasleikir is a bowl licker who stings the bowls of cats and dogs on the ground on December 17.
Hurðaskellir enters houses on December 18 to have fun slamming doors, which prevents people from sleeping.
Skyrgámur will, as its name suggests, eat Skyr to burst your stomach.
Bjúgnakrækir comes down from the mountain on December 20 to eat the sausages.
Gluggagægir is a very curious man who looks through the windows of houses to find the toys he will steal later.
Gáttaþefur is also a thief of bread and good smelling cakes.
Ketkrókur intervenes on December 23 to hook the meat of the smoked sheep which is prepared this day.
Kertasníkir is the last of the gang, who arrives on December 24, he will have fun stealing the candles or even blowing out the candles on New Year's Eve so that the house is in darkness.

Icelanders must be careful with these thirteen little pranksters who can bring chaos to their homes. However, they allow children to wait for the real gifts that will arrive on Christmas Eve. They then leave in the direction of their arrival, the last being Kertasníkir on January 6 for a day called Þrettándinn (13th). To finish with the Jólasveinar, they are descended from trolls and have for parents the ogress Grýla and the sloth Leppalúði. Their mother often goes to the Icelandic moors to catch the bad children and devour them! They are also accompanied by the terrible cat Jólaköttur who has no other occupation than to steal the children's clothes on Christmas Eve. Hence the habit of giving new clothes at Christmas. Santa Claus is also present during the Christmas holidays, but much less than the thirteen Icelandic lads! In addition to the elves, Icelanders also have different culinary traditions, such as sweets and cakes, which can be enjoyed during Christmas, but also during the Advent period:

The Sara cookie, of Danish origin and created in 1911, is a kind of almond macaroon filled with chocolate cream and iced with chocolate. It is named after the French actress Sarah Bernhardt.
Gingerbread
Chocolate cookies
Licorice sweets
The laufabrauð or bread sheet, it is a bread as thin as a pancake that we will chisel to show patterns related to Yul. Once the work is finished, it is fried and served with butter.

To finish on the traditions of Christmas, it is necessary to know that, for the majority of Icelanders, Christmas begins well before during Advent. That is 4 Sundays before Christmas Eve. In most homes, we will then make an advent wreath out of fir branches, with wild berries and pine cones. Inside, we will put four candles and light one each Sunday of Advent.

Christmas celebrations

During the celebrations of the Yul festival, the meals have a very great importance and they are particularly formalized. It starts on December 23. Of course, Christmas is not only about meals and as a large part of the inhabitants are Lutherans, they often go to midnight or morning mass.

Christmas celebrations begin on December 23 (Þorláksmessa, in French the Mass of Thorlak). This day is often the occasion to buy the last gifts, because the stores close very late. Some people also make a very special meal with fermented fish like skate, this dish is native to the western fjords.
For Christmas Eve (in Icelandic aðfangadagur), which normally starts at 6pm, several dishes can be eaten with the family: pig's back (Hamborgahryggur), roast sheep's back, snow partridge, American turkey, Danish rice pudding (with almonds), lobster, Gravalax salmon or roast pork glazed with Coca-Cola and Coca-Cola sauce! It is possible to drink with Christmas Ale (jólaöl), which is a mixture of orangeade and a non-alcoholic malt drink.
Right after the meal, the gifts will be opened, there are often books, chocolates and many other things.
Depending on the family, you will either have to go to midnight mass or enjoy your gifts.
On December 25 or jóladagur, Christmas Day, the traditional dish is Hangikjöt which comes from the north of the island. It is a slightly smoked mutton ham that is served cold or warm with a white sauce and is accompanied by potatoes, red cabbage, peas and bread. After the meal, the day will allow to enjoy, play, talk with the family, watch a movie...
The next day (annar í jólum or Second Christmas Day), Icelanders mostly finish the leftovers and sometimes in the evening they can go for a drink with their friends.

Celebrate the New Year in Iceland

The other big event at the end of the year is of course the party that celebrates the change of year, New Year's Eve. Less family oriented and much more festive, Icelanders often spend New Year's Eve with their friends. Here is the traditional course of the evening:

Locals often go to dinner with family or friends between 6 and 7 pm.
After the meal, they often go out for bonfires or fireworks with their loved ones.
From 22:00, a television program will retrace the main events of the year in Iceland with a little humor. It is a very popular program in Iceland.
At midnight, the change of year is celebrated with the launching of fireworks.
After this hour, many Icelanders will continue to party all night in the bars.

Enjoying New Year's Eve in Reykjavik

The best place to enjoy New Year's Eve in Iceland is undoubtedly in the capital city of Reykjavik, which allows you to enjoy the festivities that are organized and the fireworks that are fired. One of the great Icelandic traditions to celebrate the end of the year is undoubtedly to shoot off fireworks in every corner of the city and well before the stroke of midnight, but also after. Icelanders are real pyrotechnic show enthusiasts and they spend a lot of money every year to buy fireworks that they shoot between December 27th and January 6th, with a big peak during the New Year's Eve. One of the other reasons for this pyrotechnic "madness" is that by buying fires (and trees) a part is donated to theICE-SARThe Icelandic Association for Search and Rescue, which rescues hundreds of Icelanders and tourists every year from bad situations on the road, or due to weather or geological phenomena. The animation will thus start especially just before midnight in Reykjavik, because before the locals watch the TV show. So fireworks will be fired in abundance in any city. If you want to admire them, you can go to Perlan Hill, which gives you a good view of the whole city, or to Hallgrímskirkja Square, from where many fireworks are set off. After this beautiful show, which is impressive when you have never participated in it, it is possible to continue your evening by going out to the many bars of the city. These often close after 5 am and the entrance is free, but you will often have to queue to get in. One of the busiest places to find a place to party is on Laugavegur street and the area near the city hall.

What excursions and activities during the holiday season

Going to Iceland during the Christmas and New Year period is an opportunity to discover the special spirit that reigns in this country during this period. However, in addition to walking around to discover the enchantment of Christmas, you will also be able to take advantage of it to discover the beauties of this island which are very numerous. Here are some ideas of expeditions or places you can discover during your trip to Iceland:

Discover the city of Reykjavik with its museums and also its old center. If you are going away for a long weekend, you can find some ideas on this page.
Take a trip to the famous Golden Circle to discover three of Iceland's greatest tourist sites: Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir geyser and the historical and geological site of Þingvellir.
Swimming in the warm waters of the Blue Lagoon and touring the Reykjanes Peninsula.
Discover the south coast of the island by following the road 1 to Jökulsárlón, you can also discover waterfalls, cliffs, gorges, volcanoes, glaciers and many other sumptuous landscapes.
Admire the northern lights during the long winter nights. On the other hand, it will be necessary that the weather allows it by being clear.
Go snowshoeing or Nordic skiing on the many routes in the country.
Skiing on the Icelandic slopes

Prepare your trip during the Christmas period

Going to Iceland in December and early January is not the same as in summer. Indeed, the island is subject to harsh winter conditions, and it is therefore necessary to be well prepared. As far as reservations to go there, sleep or travel, be careful because there is a peak of tourist traffic on the island at this time. Here's everything you need to know to prepare for your trip during the holiday season.

The plane

To go to Iceland during this time of the year? you will of course have to fly. In general? Tickets are a little more expensive at Christmas than during the rest of the winter, as it is a busy time for tourists in Reykjavik. So don't forget to book your ticket well in advance to take advantage of the best rates. It is also important to know that Transavia does not desert the island outside the summer. More information on this page.

Accommodation

If you come to Iceland during this period, there are several important points to consider:

Outside of Reykjavik, many hotels or BnB type accommodations are closed
It is not possible, and not recommended, to go camping during the winter

It will be necessary to prefer the hotel or the Bnb. In any case, your accommodation will often be very expensive, especially during the Christmas period. More information here.

Getting around

When visiting Iceland during the Christmas season, you may be wondering how to get around? To answer this question, you must first know if you intend to stay in Reykjavik without moving, or just discover a part of the country covered with snow.

If you stay only in Reykjavik, it is better to travel by bus, shuttle or cab. Between the airport and the capital, there are many shuttles.
If you want to discover a part of the island, it is better to rent a car during a part of your trip. As this season is, most of the time, snowy, you can opt for a 4x4. More information about car rental in Iceland.

The climate

From the end of November until March, Iceland really enters the winter. During this period, the night is also very long and, even if it is not necessarily very cold, storms, snow, frost or rain are often present. Here's what we can remember:

Sunshine: between 5 hours in the south and early December to barely 1 hour on December 21 in the north.
Average temperature: in Reykjavik, the temperatures are between -5 and 5°C, towards the north they lose a few degrees, and inland you can go down to -20°C.
Wind : It can be very violent and reach 200 km/h, it reinforces enormously the feeling of cold.
Precipitation: very regular in Reykjavik with 20 days of rain or snow, drier in the north-eastern half

More information about the climate on this page, you can also watch the Icelandic weather.]]>

Going to Iceland in spring

Ast85 — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 13:20:49 +0000

leave this island between March and May. You will then discover the country which comes out little by little of its winter torpor, with the snow which, with the passing of the months, becomes rarer and rarer, whereas the duration of the day becomes more and more present. Spring is therefore an ideal season to discover Iceland, even if it is better to leave in April and May if you want to enjoy the sun and the mild temperatures. Indeed, the month of March is still very wintry, while in May we can already feel the Icelandic summer coming. You will find on this page a lot of information to discover this beautiful destination and what to do and see.

Why travel in spring?

Is leaving during this season really a good idea? Find out everything you need to know if you want to discover Iceland in spring.

Benefits

Discover the different pluses of a spring trip to Iceland:

The variety of landscapes, still heavily snowed in March, much greener and more flowery from April and especially in May.
A rather low attendance, except from May onwards.
Discover the Icelandic nature in full awakening and especially the birds which are very present from April.
Take advantage of the increasing daylight hours, especially from April onwards.
Spring is often the driest season of the year in Iceland, except in March.

Disadvantages

However, there are not only advantages to leaving in spring, there are also some disadvantages:

Many F-road tracks are closed until June, so even if the weather is good, you won't be able to discover the whole country, and especially all the inland regions including Landmannalaugar.
The weather is very changeable especially between the beginning of March and the beginning of April, then it becomes drier.

The Icelandic climate in spring

As always, the Icelandic climate is not known for its mildness and sunshine, and spring is no exception. It is the location of the island in the North Atlantic near Greenland, as well as the presence of the warm current (North Atlantic Drift), which gives this particular weather. Spring in Iceland is relatively cold, it can still be -20°C in March, -15°C in April, or even -10°C at the beginning of May, but the average temperatures are a little more clement, between 3 and 10°C (from March to May), with peaks that exceed 20°C in some regions. In terms of precipitation, it is very high in March, but from April and especially in May it is much lower. Besides, the driest month of the year is often May in Iceland. In March, there are still many chances of heavy snow or rain storms. Finally, the sunniest months are between April and June!

Prepare your stay in Iceland in spring

If you want to go to this beautiful country between March and May, it is necessary to organize yourself well.

Book your plane

The season is not yet very touristy, except for a bit around Easter. It is however preferable to book your plane tickets in advance. Fares are often lower than in the summer, but there are also slightly fewer flights. The main airlines are :

Icelandair
EasyJet

More information about flights to Iceland on this page.

Is it worth renting a car?

To answer this question, it is necessary to know what you want to do during your Icelandic trip. If you are only staying a few days with Reykjavik as your main destination, then it is not necessarily useful to have a car, as there are buses or sightseeing tours that will allow you to make excursions outside the capital. However, if your objective is to discover part or all of the island, then renting a car is highly recommended. But then what to choose? The 4x4 is not necessary, because the vast majority of the tracks are closed to traffic. A simple passenger car can therefore be sufficient.

Rent a car in Iceland

What to put in your suitcase?

If you go to Iceland during this season, it is necessary to be well equipped, because the weather changes quickly and it can be very cold, as well as a little warm. You have to be careful with the clothes you take in your suitcase:

Warm, waterproof clothing such as parkas or ski clothes if you are going in March. Don't forget gloves, warm pants, under-gloves, hats, scarves, warm underwear, etc. The best way to stay warm is to use the three layer technique.
Hiking boots, with snow versions if it's early spring. Spikes can also be used.

Where to sleep?

Several forms of accommodation are available when travelling to Iceland during the spring:

Sleeping in ahotel: comfortable, but often expensive (minimum 100 euros per night)
Sleeping in guesthouse, Bnb or in lodgings: a little less expensive and allows to meet inhabitants
Sleep in a youth hostel: cheap, but there are not many
Sleeping in camping: possible especially from April, when it is less cold.
Sleeping in a camper van or motor home: for more flexibility!

What to do in Iceland during this season?

On a spring trip, you will find that there are plenty of activities and excursions to keep you busy for several days or weeks:

Drive around the island on route 1 and discover waterfalls, glaciers, volcanoes and other wonders of Iceland
Visit Reykjavik and discover its museums, shopping and lively streets.
Visit one or more regions of the island with as main areas: the Golden Circle, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula or other corners.
Skiing, especially in March to take advantage of the last snow.
Hiking and beautiful walks.
Bathing in the numerous hot springs and pools in Iceland.
Admire the many birds in Iceland, including the famous puffins!
Go for a nice horseback ride to discover this unique equine.

Discover Iceland too:

]]>

Icelandic volcanoes and volcanoes of Iceland

Ath78 — Thu, 04 Aug 2022 10:54:10 +0000

geological situation, both on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and on a hot spot, means that the island undergoes several dozen eruptions each century, some of which are very powerful. You can discover on this page all you need to know about Icelandic volcanoes.

Book an excursion to the volcanoes

State of the art of volcanism

This country is therefore very active in terms of volcanism with no less than 200 active volcanoes. There are about 20 to 25 eruptions per century, which represents an eruption every 4 or 5 years. The quantities of magma emitted are also very significant, with about 8 km3 per century and 1 or 2 km3 of ash. To give you an idea, Icelandic volcanoes produce about twice as much lava as those in Hawaii! There would also be a thickness of 3000 meters of lava above the oceanic plateau on which the island lies! Concerning the types of volcanism that we find on the spot, they are multiple with stratovolcanoes (multiple eruptions on the same volcano), eruptive faults, monogenic, shield volcanoes, plateau or subglacial. Although most volcanoes are of the red type (effusive eruption), Iceland also has specimens that cause pyroclastic eruptions (grey eruption). The majority of Icelandic eruptions are therefore mafic magmatic (volcanic rocks composed of magnesium and iron), representing about 91% of the total number of eruptions and volume of material emitted. However, a significant number of silicic eruptions in Europe originate from this area.

Short history of volcanism and eruptions

To redo a chronology of volcanic eruptions in this country would be too complicated. However, some data are very interesting to see to realize the importance of the geological activity of the island. During the post-glacial period, Icelandic volcanoes would have emitted in 11 000 years approximately 550 km3 of magma in 2 400 eruptions. A few large eruptions caused most of the magma emitted. During the last 11,000 years, effusive eruptions represent only 23% of the eruptions against 77% for the subglacial explosive. During the last millennia, the amount of lava emitted has been constantly decreasing, from 70 km3 10,000 years ago, to only 20 or 30 km3 recently. This drop in activity may be due to the resumption of eruptions following the melting of the glaciers and therefore the decrease in pressure on part of the island.[starlist][/starlist] Some notable eruptions have marked the historical period of Iceland with notably :

TheEldgjá in 984
The Lakagígar in 1783
Eyjafjallajökull in 2010
The Grímsvötn in 2011
The Bárðarbunga in 2014
The eruption of Geldingadalur Fagradalsfjall in the Reykjanes Peninsula in 2021, in 2022 the eruption restarted right next door in the Meradallir Valley.

The current situation

Even today, Iceland is experiencing intense volcanic activity, as evidenced by the various eruptions that have taken place since Eyjafoll-Jökull (in 2010). But where are the main eruptions in this country? You only have to look at the current rift zones and more precisely where the Atlantic ridge passes to see where the 200 or so active volcanoes on the island are located. So we leave the Reyjanes peninsula, going up to the north (Pingvellir, LandJökull glaciers area, and Mývatn and Krafla area) to go eastward to Vatnajokull. From here, one branch goes south (Landmanalaugar and the two southern glaciers and Surdsey), another goes up to Mývatn and Krafla. Note the presence of active areas in the peninsula of Snaefellness. Volcanologists classify the island into several zones, the neovolcanic zone (active zone) is for example divided according to the faults:

RR (Reykjanes Ridge): Reykjanes Ridge, which extends southwestward.
RVB (Reykjanes Volcanic Belt): Reykjanesskagi, it is currently in the news with a strong seismicity in 2020 and early 2021 and the beginning of a volcanic eruption on March 19, 2021. It is undoubtedly a volcanic cycle of several centuries that opens in the peninsula. Follow the news of this eruption on this page.
SISZ (South Iceland Seismic Zone): southern limit of the Icelandic microplate, transform fault
WVZ (West Volcanic Zone): northwestern limit of the micro-plate, axial rift
MIB (Mid-Iceland Belt): northern limit of the micro-plate, transform fault
EVZ (East Volcanic Zone): southeastern limit of the Icelandic microplate, axial rift
NVZ (North Volcanic Zone): north of Vatnajökull, axial rift
TFZ (Tjörnes Fracture Zone): transform fault that joins the NVZ and the KR
KR (Kolbeinsey Ridge): Kolbeinsey Ridge, extending northward
ÖVB (Öræfi Volcanic Belt): under the southeast of Vatnajökull, intra-plate
SVB (Snæfellsnes Volcanic Belt): Snæfellsnes, intra-plate, fossil rift

The particularity of Icelandic volcanism is that it is structured according to a particular volcano-tectonic system which is quite rare in the world. Indeed, there is not a volcano, but in fact volcanic fissures (dykes) with a central crater (or several). This set can last for millions of years and they have consequent dimensions, from a few kilometers wide (5 to 20 km) for several tens of long (50 to 200 km). Sometimes the cracks do not have a central volcano. Iceland does not always have a "volcano", but sometimes only volcanic faults. However, these can have impressive eruptions that can last for years. Rifting episodes are also a feature of the region.

Geothermal areas and activities

With the presence of numerous volcanoes and a lot of magma, there is considerable geothermal activity in this country. The water that falls in abundance is present in the glaciers infiltrates the ground and, when it is located in fault zones, it then quickly meets the magma or the heat it releases. It will then turn into steam and carry with it the sulfur and other materials.... In addition to the famous Geysers that you can admire at Geysir (the word is of Icelandic origin), there are also many hot springs (some of which provide several hundred liters of boiling water per second), mud pools, fumaroles. Among the areas that will allow you to better discover these phenomena, there is Namjfall and the other in the south.

Most known volcanic areas and regions

Below are some of the most important volcanic areas:

Aksja: set of calderas in the Icelandic Highlands
Bardarbunga : located under the ice cap of Vatnajökull, it is in fact a volcanic fissure
Eyjafjallajökull: glacier under which a volcano is located
Grímsvötn: located under the Vatnajökull, it erupted in 1996 and caused a powerful jökulhlaup
Hekla: this volcano is one of the most terrible of Iceland, besides a big part of the region is covered with ashes of Hekla
Katla : Located under the cap of Mýrdalsjökull, it is known for its very violent eruptions
Krafla: erupted in 1984, the lava fields are still smoking in some places
Laki: an impressive fault of several tens of kilometers emitted between 1783 and 1784 more than 15 km3 of lava which makes it the largest magmatic eruption of historical times
Snæfellsjökull: visible from Reykjavik, this stratovolcano is no longer active and is known to be the start of Jules Verne's Journey to the Center of the Earth

]]>

What souvenirs and gifts to bring back from a trip to Iceland?

Ath78 — Fri, 28 Aug 2020 17:55:19 +0000

trip in Iceland and you have probably taken a lot of pleasure in the magnificent landscapes of this country with its volcanoes, glaciers, mountains, lakes, fjords or waterfalls. So, you're probably wondering what you'll be able to bring back from this country to have souvenirs for yourself and gifts for your loved ones? This guide presents you the most beautiful souvenirs that you can bring back from this country and that you will find in stores in different places of the country!

Icelandic clothing

With its cold, wet and windy climate, Iceland has developed a real know-how in clothing to face this difficult climate. So why not take advantage of this and buy either Icelandic wool clothes or technical clothes ideal for hiking, winter sports or even for rain?

The Lopi or the famous Icelandic sweater

True Icelandic ancestral know-how, the sweater or lopi is part of the gifts par excellence when you go to Iceland. Made with Icelandic wool, from sheep that have spent all summer outside, they are both warm and water resistant and don't take on too much odor. They will then be perfectly suited to the local climate and can be worn in winter here. Genuine Lopi is normally hand-knitted with a specific technique and is often white in color with black patterns. The cost of a sweater is about 100 to 200 euros. More information about Icelandic lopi [caption id="attachment_14984" align="alignnone" width="900"] @triscote[/caption]

Other woolen garments

In addition to the Lopi, there are many other garments made from Icelandic wool such as gloves, socks or hats. Much cheaper than the sweater, they will allow you to have a souvenir of Iceland for a price between 15 and 50 euros. Beware, however, there are clothes of this type that are not Icelandic or not in Icelandic wool.

Knitting wool

And why not bring back directly Icelandic wool to share with those who like to knit this beautiful wool. They can then try to make sweaters and hats with warm, rain-resistant wool.

Technical clothing

Two major outdoor clothing brands have developed in Iceland, 66° North and Icewear, they offer technical clothing ideal for hiking and for dealing with the island's climate. You will find fleeces, pants, t-shirts, coats, anoraks, softshells, etc.

A personalized postcard

The postcard is an attention that is making a comeback and that allows you to please your loved ones by sending them a little note by mail during a trip. There are many postcards that can be found on site during your visits for example, but it is also possible to send a personalized postcard to choose one of the photos taken during your stay. All you have to do is go to a dedicated platform, choose the photo you want to send, write what you want to write on the back of the card and enter the recipient's mailing address. This will then be printed and sent by post.

Icelandic jewelry and bracelets

In addition to textiles and clothing, it is possible to bring back from Iceland handicrafts such as jewelry, bracelets or necklaces. There are indeed several artisans who make jewelry with lava beads following an ancestral tradition. These bracelets are for women as well as for men. In addition to the Icelandic bracelets, there are also necklaces with talismans inspired by Scandinavian mythology. Be careful, however, to look at the provenance of these bracelets and other jewelry.

Icelandic food

And why not bring back a little bit of Icelandic gastronomy? Even if some culinary specialties are not to everyone's liking, it is possible to find plenty of good things:

Skyr, but you will need a small cooler to carry it
Dried fish
Smoked salmon
Volcanic bread
Icelandic chocolates, including those of the Omnom brand
Caramels
Licorice candy
Local herbs and salts

Some books

And yes, why not take advantage of your stay in Iceland to buy an Icelandic book? On site, you will find some books translated into French and many in English. You can buy books about sagas, elves, photo books, calendars or even detective novels, a real local specialty.

Other gifts

Among the other gifts you can buy in Iceland, there are many trinkets, but not only, here are some ideas:

Puffin or seal plush
Bath salts and bath treatments found in geothermal baths like Blue Lagoon.
T-shirts from Iceland
Numerous stones and minerals in the country. Be careful, it is forbidden to take them in the wild.
Magnets on Iceland

So, as you can see, there are many gifts and souvenirs to bring back from a trip to Iceland. Unfortunately, it's expensive so you need to budget well if you want to bring some back for your family, friends and yourself! But don't forget that one of the most beautiful memories is simply all the images you will keep in your head and all the pictures you will take that you will be able to look at and show to your loved ones!]]>

What to do in Iceland in January?

Ath78 — Sat, 03 Jan 2026 11:08:13 +0000

winter period of the year, the island still has many attractions and can be visited. So why not go on a trip to Iceland during the month of January? Find out everything you need to know about this destination if you're going this time of year!

Why leave in January?

Discovering a Nordic country in the middle of winter can often be considered a bad idea. You will have to endure the cold and the weather, but not only...

The positive points

Enjoy the New Year and New Year's Eve. During this period, dozens of fireworks are shot in the sky of Reykjavik and other towns of Iceland.
Discover the snowy Icelandic landscape, at least most of the time.
See the Northern Lights when the night sky is clear.
To visit the country in a period more calm at the level of the tourist frequentation, especially from January 10th.

Negative points

January is in the middle of the Icelandic winter, so the weather is very changeable and rather cold. It snows, rains frequently and the wind is sometimes very violent.
The duration of the day there is weak especially during the first two weeks of January, it increases then gradually, but does not exceed 4 to 5 hours.
Many tourist sites and roads are closed (including all F-roads), which limits the possibilities of excursions.

The climate of January

Considering its latitude, one could say that the Icelandic climate in January is rather mild. So, even if it is true that the country does not have very cold temperatures, especially on the coast and therefore in the cities, the weather is not necessarily very pleasant because during this period the rain or snow storms are very frequent and the change of weather is fast and radical. Temperatures often hover around 0°C on the coast, varying from 5 to -5°C on average, although during cold spells they can drop below -10°C or even -20°C inland. Precipitation is very regular and abundant, mostly in the form of snow, although rain is very common in the south and west. In fact, the weather and temperatures change very quickly, sometimes in just a few hours, all under winds that can reach 150 to 200 km/h.

Organize your trip to Iceland in January

If you want to go to Iceland in January, here is everything you need to know and prepare before leaving.

Book your flight

How to get to Iceland? The easiest way to get to Keflavik airport is to fly with one of the following companies: Icelandair or Easy Jet. Iceland is well served with flights from Paris (CDG or Orly), Lyon, Basel-Mulhouse. There are also flights from other French-speaking cities such as Montreal, Geneva and Brussels.

Should I rent a car?

Important question when you are going to visit Iceland, the answer will essentially depend on your program. If you are mainly interested in visiting Reykjavik and travelling from there, then rental is not required. If, on the other hand, you wish to discover the country in greater depth, then it is preferable to opt for the rental of a car in Iceland and more precisely of a 4x4 vehicle.

Where to sleep during your stay?

This is often the main cost when traveling to Iceland, so it is important to choose the right solution. During this month, you will mainly have the choice between :

What to take in your suitcase?

Going to Iceland during winter requires a good preparation, especially in terms of equipment and clothing. You will need to have clothes that are moisture resistant and warm, but the most practical is to opt for the 3 layer technique. Don't forget crampons and good shoes for winter. For more information on this part, go to this page.

What activities to do during your trip in January?

If you are wondering what to do during your stay in Iceland, then you can be reassured, because even in the middle of January there is no lack of activities! Here is a small selection of excursions and activities:

Take advantage of the winter to discover this country in a winter atmosphere with landscapes of great beauty.
Walk around Reykjavik, visit its museums, discover its bars and cafes and meet Icelanders.
Even when it's cold and snowy, swimming is possible in Iceland thanks to the country's many natural pools and hot baths.
Take the opportunity to ski in one of the many resorts in the country.
January is one of the best months to discover the Northern Lights, but the sky must be clear enough at night...
If you come at the beginning of the month, you will be able to admire the New Year's fireworks which last until January 5 or 10.
Go on an organized trip to discover the country in winter.
Do winter activities such as visiting an ice cave or snowmobiling on a glacier.

The cultural agenda in Iceland during January :

Rainbow Reykjavik: from January 13 to February 16, this LGBT festival offers many parties, but also excursions to the Blue Lagoon, the Golden Circle or to see the Aurora Borealis. More info on the festival website.
Midwinter Festival (Thorrablót) : from January 24 to 26, 2020, this traditional Viking festival offers a month of traditional food, singing, drinking and dancing.
Dark Music Days in Reykjavik: from January 25 to February 1, 2020, it is a festival of contemporary Icelandic music that takes place at the Harpa. More info on the official website.

You can also discover :

]]>

What to do in Iceland in November?

Ast85 — Mon, 27 Oct 2025 08:33:05 +0000

autumn, and in Iceland it is already mostly winter. If you choose to go to this beautiful island in the North Atlantic, you should not expect to have a mild weather. However, the weather is not always tumultuous and when the sun makes its appearance we can discover landscapes with autumnal colors that are gradually covered with snow, especially when we venture in the Highlands. Are you interested in a little trip to Iceland during this autumn month? So, find out everything you need to know to prepare your stay in November.

Discover Iceland in November

The 11th month of the year is therefore not necessarily the most attractive one for a visit to Iceland, especially if you want to discover the country under a nice weather. However, there are many advantages to a stay in this season.

The advantages

The month of November is in a fairly low season, between the high season in the summer and a busy season during the Christmas period.
We can therefore take advantage of a lesser tourist influx, very practical when we want to visit the most touristic areas: Reykjavik, the Golden Circle or the South Coast.
The prices of a trip are lower in this season, especially for car rental, airline tickets or accommodation.
As the night is getting bigger and bigger during November, the northern lights are more and more numerous.
The colors of the landscapes are magnificent with the brown and gold of the plants, but also the white of the snow.

The disadvantages

November marks the arrival of winter in Iceland. The Icelandic climate is then disturbed and the temperatures often fall below zero.
The duration of the day becomes short, between 7 hours (at the beginning of the month) and 5 hours (at the end of the month).
Many sites are closed to the public, as are the F-roads that make the Highlands inaccessible.

What kind of weather in November?

Going to Iceland in November means facing a harsh weather and climate, not necessarily cold but windy and humid and above all rarely mild. The island, due to its location between the warm currents to the south and cold to the north, has a subpolar oceanic climate, which means that it rains often, with frequent storms, the rain often turns into snow and the temperatures are between -5°C and 5°C. Averages are between -2 and 3°C on the coasts and precipitation is important, but less than in October. The cold records are established at -12°C in Reykjavik, -18°C in Akureyri. At the level of the maximum, we hardly exceed the 10°C!

Prepare your stay in November

You're going on a trip in the eleventh month of the year, so find out everything you need to know about organization.

Take a plane ticket

Iceland is accessible almost only by air, so the first step will be to take your plane tickets. The country is accessible from several airports in Europe, including :

Paris with Icelandair
Basel-Mulhouse with EasyJet
Geneva with EasyJet
Brussels with Icelandair
Montreal with Icelandair

To find the cheapest tickets, you can also use Alibabuy, a real-time flight comparison website. This site therefore offers you the best price and, in addition, it indicates in all transparency the possible additional costs related to your reservation. In addition to being a flight comparator, Alibabuy also allows you to organize your trip from A to Z, because you can also book your hotels or cars.

Where to rent a car ?

You are going to Iceland, so don't hesitate to rent a car to travel around the island. With a car, you will have more flexibility and be able to discover the whole country. In November, the roads are often snowy, so it is better to have a 4x4 to travel the roads with difficult conditions.

What to bring in your luggage?

Find out everything you need to pack for a trip to Iceland during this season. As the weather is often cold and unsettled, don't hesitate to take jackets, anoraks, or even ski suits.

Where to sleep?

In November, the number of accommodations drops sharply, as there are often fewer Bnb's and most campgrounds close. You can opt for :

What to do during the month of November?

Are you going on a trip during this month? But what will you do? Don't worry, there are plenty of activities and excursions available in November that should keep you from getting bored. Here are some ideas:

Go on a road trip around the island, in the Golden Circle or in the south coast.
Discover some of the most beautiful sites on the island such as Gullfoss, Geysir, Skaftafell or Vik.
Visit Reykjavik which could be under snow with a little luck. The capital is known for its colorful streets, its museums or its many cafes, bars and restaurants!
Despite the cold, swimming is still possible during this period, especially in the Icelandic hot water pools!
If the night is clear, you can take advantage of it to admire the sublime northern lights which dance in the Icelandic sky.

You are not going in November, so discover Iceland:

]]>

What to do in Iceland in October?

Ath78 — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 08:01:44 +0000

autumn month? So, find out everything you need to know to prepare your stay in October.

Traveling in October? And why not!

As you may have gathered, the weather is probably not the big highlight of this month, but you shouldn't stop at that element.

The advantages

The month of October is in a low point between summer and Christmas, so you will be able to enjoy the country with far fewer tourists, especially in large areas like the Golden Circle, the South Coast or Reykjavik.
With the drop in tourist numbers, prices for a stay in Iceland are also dropping, especially for hotels and car rentals.
October is a very good month to discover the Northern Lights, however it is necessary that the weather is with you and therefore that the sky clears during the night.
The colors are often beautiful during the month of October with nature changing colors to orange, gold or brown. We also have the pleasure of admiring the snowy landscapes that gradually cover the island during this month.

The disadvantages

The Icelandic climate is really disturbed during the month of October with the arrival of the first cold waves (with temperatures often lower than 0°C, especially far from the coasts). Rain, snow and storms are also very frequent and therefore the light is quite low.
Daylight hours decrease sharply during October, with 11 hours at the beginning of the month and less than 8 hours at the end.
F-road trails in the Highlands are closed and it is not uncommon for some major roads, including Highway 1, to close during storms or if it snows.

The climate in October

To visit Iceland in October is to face a harsh and often cold weather. Indeed, the island being located between the cold air masses of Greenland and the humid Atlantic, it undergoes the fight between these different influences, which is translated from October by a strong deterioration of the weather. Storms with strong gales are more and more frequent, rain is very regular and abundant, and it is during this month that the first cold spells often arrive with negative temperatures and snow, even in the plains. As for the temperatures, it is necessary to count between 2 and 7 degrees from morning to evening in the main coastal cities, the beginning of the month being milder than the end. In the Highlands, temperatures are often negative all day, but the weather often varies from day to day. It can very well be -10°C with sunshine one day, then 10°C with rain the next!

Getting ready to go to Iceland in October

Want to go to Iceland during the tenth month of the year? So here's everything you need to know to get organized!

Flying

To go to Iceland, the easiest way is to fly, even if the ferry from Denmark is also possible. So, if you go in October, it will be the same, but beware there are often fewer flights, but these are often cheaper.

Paris (Orly and CDG)

If you do not live in France, it is also possible to fly to Iceland from many other countries, including Brussels in Belgium, Geneva in Switzerland or Montreal in Quebec.

How to get around?

You want to visit the country? So here are the different means of transportation available for the month of October:

Renting a car is by far the most practical solution, as it allows you great flexibility and freedom. In October, the car also has the advantage of protecting you from potential bad weather. Be careful, however, many roads are closed: the highland tracks, but also some roads may be temporarily closed because of snow or storms.
Take public transport, for example if you stay in Reykjavik and then want to go on an expedition.

Rent a car in Iceland

What to take with you on your October trip?

Are you going to visit Iceland during the month of October? So don't forget to prepare yourself well for the harsh Icelandic climate.

A windproof or soft-shell jacket when it is mild and windy.
A raincoat for the top (K-way or anorak type) and for the bottom (pants), because the rain is regular during this month.
Hiking clothes for cool and cold weather: hiking pants, tights, hiking t-shirts and long-sleeved tops (like ski tops).
As the cold weather can arrive as early as October, don't forget to take ski suit type clothing to resist snow, cold and humidity.
Fleeces or sweaters (in Icelandic wool!) to support the cool or cold temperatures of October.
Gloves, scarf and hat
A backpack of 15 to 30 liters to carry the necessary for your walks.
Hiking shoes, but be careful not to have new ones to avoid blisters. It can be useful to have crampons to support the snow!
Bathing suits, as it is possible to enjoy the baths, pools and other warm swimming areas that are abundant in Iceland.

Which accommodations to choose?

During the fall, and especially in October, the number of accommodations decreases, as there are often fewer Bnb's and most campgrounds close. You can opt for :

What to do during the month of October?

Are you going on a trip during this month? But what will you do? Don't worry, there are plenty of activities and excursions available in October, so you don't have to worry about getting sent away. Here are some ideas:

It is possible to make some road trips, like in the Golden Circle, along the route 1 or on the south coast.
It is possible to visit some important sites like Gullfoss, Geysir, Skaftafell or Vik.
Visit the capital Reykjavik and discover its colorful streets, its museums or its many cafes, bars and restaurants!
Take advantage of the numerous hot water baths in the country, while it can be 0°C outside!
Admire the magnificent northern lights which are often very numerous, but for that the weather must be with you!
Discover the beautiful Icelandic landscapes with the autumn colors!
Discover the volcanic area of Fagradalsfjall

Discover also :

]]>

What to do in Iceland in July?

Ath78 — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 08:00:00 +0000

summer, July is also the beginning of the school vacations, so logically you may go to Iceland during this period! Find out everything you need to know about traveling to this country in July to get organized and see what you can do there.

Iceland in July: and why not?

Iceland is not known for its heat, but leaving in July can be the opportunity to enjoy a little coolness, especially when the heat threatens our more temperate countries.

The advantages

Thanks to its proximity to the Arctic Circle, Iceland has a long daylight period, especially during the first two weeks of July. You can then have between 19h and 24h of daylight and enjoy the midnight sun for example!
The weather is quite mild in July and you can enjoy often sunny but cool weather. Not bad when it's over 30°C in France!
All the tourist sites are open, as well as the campsites and the F-roads which will allow you to cross the land.

Negative points

Unfortunately, the tourist traffic is important, especially in Reykjavik, in the Golden Circle and along the south coast.
Prices are higher for airfare, hotels and car rentals.

What is the weather like in July?

The Icelandic climate being sub-polar or oceanic, you should not expect heat, even during a trip in summer. The Icelandic weather is often capricious with, as the saying goes, "all the weather in one day". July is therefore the hottest month of the year with, for example, an average maximum temperature of 13 to 15°C (13.3°C in Reykjavik and 14.5°C in Akureyri) and minimum temperatures around 7 to 9°C depending on the region. The temperature records are 1.4°C minimum and 24.3°C maximum in Reykjavik. In Akureyri, the records vary between 1.3°C and 27.6°C. In terms of rainfall, it rains on average 7 days in Akureyri for 33 mm, which is quite low. In Reykjavik, it takes 10 days of precipitation for 51.8 mm.

How to organize your stay in Iceland in July

Before leaving for this North Atlantic island, it is important to be well prepared.

Book your plane tickets

To get to Iceland, you have to fly and the country is fairly well served. You will have flights:

From or to France with Icelandair (Paris), Easy Jet (Basel Mulhouse) or Transavia (Paris).
From and to Belgium with Icelandair in Brussels.
From and to Switzerland with EasyJet in Geneva and Basel-Mulhouse.
From and to Quebec with Icelandair which offers flights between Montreal and Keflavik.

Car rental

When you go to Iceland, you often want to visit a part of the country or the whole, not only Reykjavik. In this case, it is essential to rent a car to discover the island. Several types of vehicles are available, but a 4x4 can be useful, especially if you want to discover the interior.

Which accommodation to choose in July?

Accommodation is one of the most expensive items on a trip to Iceland. You will mainly have the choice between :

Packing your suitcase

Important step in the preparation of its trip, it is of course to know what one is going to put in its suitcase during a trip in Iceland.

What to do in July in Iceland?

Discover the activities and also the cultural planning of July:

This is one of the last months to see puffins, so take advantage of it. There are also many other birds.
Discover the Highlands (Landmannalaugar, Askja, etc.) and go on an adventure on the F-roads.
Stroll through Reykjavik, Iceland's sparkling capital, and discover its museums, monuments, beautiful streets and restaurants.
Go for a horseback ride.
Take a trek in the beautiful Icelandic countryside.
For a luxurious and unforgettable cruise on a beautiful boat
The agenda of events is quite rich in Iceland with three events:
- Horse festival (Landsmót) in Hella: from July 6 to 12, this small town in the south of the country organizes an event where you can discover the best Icelandic horses and see them compete.
- LungA Festival in Seyđisfjörđur: July 11-19, 2020, this festival aims to bring understanding and discovery of art and culture to youth.
- Chamber music festival in Reykholt: from July 26 to 28, 2020, in the church built on the site where Snorri Sturluson lived, you will be able to discover learned music, classical and therefore chamber music, as well as Nordic songs.
- Vestmannaeyjar National Day: from July 31 to August 02, 2020, you can discover on the island of Hemaey the music festival and also find local food, fireworks, all in a typical local celebration.

If you don't go in July, you can also discover Iceland:

]]>

What to do in Iceland in June?

Ast85 — Thu, 28 May 2026 05:00:00 +0000

spring andsummer is often a very good idea! Indeed, you will be able to enjoy a beautiful sun, almost mild temperatures, most of the tourist sites open and you will be able to go through this beautiful country and visit it!

Going to Iceland in June

Just before the summer vacations, the month of June is very popular with holidaymakers, young people without children or parents with older children. But is it really good to go to Iceland in June?

The advantages

Located very close to the Arctic Circle, Iceland has a very strong sunshine in June, especially when approaching the summer solstice. You will have between 20 and 24 hours of sunshine and you will be able to enjoy the famous midnight sun and the white night on the whole country.
The mountains around 800 or 1000 meters are often still covered with snow. So you can discover beautiful landscapes with the contrast of snow and green or brown vegetation.
The weather is often quite nice, with little rain for Iceland.
The vast majority of tourist sites are accessible, especially from June 20.

The negative point

Be careful, because some F-roads are still inaccessible, especially at the beginning of the month and on the central roads of the country.

What weather can we expect in June?

A relatively dry month, even if it is rainier than May or July, June is pleasant in terms of weather with relatively mild temperatures, at least for Iceland, and less wind and storms, even if the latter are not non-existent. In Reykjavik, we can expect to have between 7 and 12°C during this month, with minimums of -0.6°C and maximums of almost 20°C. In Akureyri, the temperatures are even more contrasted with 6° and 13°C in the morning or in the afternoon, with min and max of -2,1°C and almost 30°C respectively!

How to organize your vacations in Iceland in June

Before leaving for this North Atlantic island, it is important to be well prepared.

Book your flights

The easiest way to get to Iceland is simply by plane. You will then have the choice between several companies:

From or to France, the main airlines are Icelandair (Paris), Easy Jet (Basel Mulhouse) or Transavia (Paris).
From and to Belgium, Icelandair offers flights from Brussels airport.
From and to Switzerland, there are EasyJet flights to Geneva and Basel-Mulhouse.
From and to Quebec, Icelandair offers flights between Montreal and Keflavik.

Is renting a car really useful?

Going on a trip to Iceland often requires a lot of moving around, and so we will quickly ask ourselves if a car is necessary. In fact, unless you are visiting Reykjavik or even the Golden Circle, renting a car is almost mandatory. After that, you will have to ask yourself if you need a 4x4 or a passenger car, and it simply depends on the tour you want to do.

What accommodation in June?

During your Icelandic stay in June, you will have a wide choice of accommodations, as the tourist season really starts and most places are therefore open. You can choose between :

Hotels: they are often of good quality, but expensive. Most hotels are located in Iceland's cities, in the Golden Circle or along the southern coast.
Campsites: they are all open, or almost, in June, but be careful with the almost perpetual night, it is not easy to sleep!
Youth hostels: ideal for those who want to sleep indoors with some comfort but low prices.
BnB or homestay: there are many choices in this type of accommodation with the possibility of renting apartments, houses, farms, or simply rooms.

What to pack before leaving?

This step, always important, is often tedious. So, Iceland Explora accompanies you to know what to put in your suitcase during an Icelandic trip.

What to do in June in Iceland?

Below you will find all the activities that can be done during this sixth month of the year:

There are still many birds in this season, so it is possible to admire them in different places, including the famous puffin.
Discover the F-roads and the Highlands, most of which have just opened.
Discover the Icelandic capital Reykjavik, by strolling through its streets, enjoying the shops and restaurants or visiting its museums and attractions.
Take a swim in one of the many natural (or not) and heated pools of the country
Go for a horseback ride to discover Iceland from another point of view.
The agenda of events is quite rich in Iceland with several events, this year they will not all take place:
- Fishermen's day or Sjómannadagur (June 1 and 2): during these two days the fishermen are honored with many festivals.
- Festival of the sea (1st weekend of June): it is the day of the year when all the boats are at the quay and there are many exhibitions of boats, etc.
- National Day of Iceland (June 17): it celebrates the independence of the country and the birthday of Jon Sigurdsson, one of the fathers of independence. During this day, there are parades, official ceremonies, street theater, folk dances and a giant picnic in Thingvellir.
- Sónar Reykjavik (June 18-20, 2020): this Catalan festival takes place over a weekend in Harpa. There are exhibitions of cultural trends and concerts with musical trends.
- Secret Solstice Festival (June 26 to 28, 2020): this festival in Reykjavik allows to admire every year dozens of artists, some of them international, all under the midnight sun.
- Summer Solstice (June 21): ancestral festival, it is celebrated under the midnight sun!

If you don't go in June, you can also discover Iceland:

]]>

What to do in Iceland in May?

Ast85 — Tue, 05 May 2026 08:32:58 +0000

spring, this season does not really exist in Iceland and we go from winter to summer at the end of April. So if you go on a trip to Iceland in May, you will be able to enjoy beautiful sunshine, mild temperatures and above all you will be able to start discovering some inland areas! Let's discover now what you can admire in Iceland during the month of May.

Go to Iceland in May

With the many public holidays that May offers, it is often tempting to go on vacation to Iceland during this period. But is this really the right time?

The most

The duration of sunshine is very important with between 17h and 21h between the beginning and the end of the month, from the south to the north of the country.
We discover the country still strongly snowed, especially on the heights, which allows to have a very beautiful contrast between the green plain and strewn with flowers and the white mountains.
At the end of the month, the first midnight suns are enjoyed, but only in the extreme north of the country.
It is the driest month of the year in Iceland, we can enjoy a lot of sunshine and relatively low rainfall.
The tourist sites are more and more open.

The negative point

Many F-roads are unfortunately still closed because of the snow and the winter-damaged tracks.

What kind of weather in May?

As you have understood, May is the driest month of the year in Iceland and one of the sunniest. However, it is still quite cold with maximum temperatures below 10°C and minimum temperatures near 3°C. But it is also the month of all contrasts. In Akureyri, the records are quite impressive with -10°C in minimum and 25°C in maximum. In Reykjavik, the temperatures are a little less extreme with -8°C to 18°C. Precipitation is much lower because the difference in temperature between the Arctic and the North Atlantic decreases and storms become much less frequent. The number of precipitation days is less than 10 in Reykjavik and 5 in Akureyri for only 44 mm for the first and 20 mm for the second.

How to organize your stay in May?

Before any trip, it is important to be well prepared, and it is the same when you go to Iceland.

Book your plane tickets

To get to this country, you need to book your flights. You will have the choice between several companies:

In France, the main companies are Icelandair, Easy Jet or Transavia. There are flights from Paris to Iceland and also from Basel Mulhouse to Iceland.
In Belgium, Icelandair offers flights.
In Switzerland, there are EasyJet flights from Geneva and Basel-Mulhouse.
In Quebec, you can take Icelandair flights between Montreal and Keflavik.

Should I rent a car?

When you go to Iceland, you will quickly ask yourself if it is useful to rent a car. Two possibilities:

If you are going on a road trip or a tour for a few days or weeks, then a car is almost mandatory.
If you are going to visit Reykjavik and the surrounding area, you don't necessarily need a car. You can visit the capital on foot or by public transport.

Where to sleep in May?

How to find accommodation when you travel to Iceland? You have several options:

Hotels: good quality, but often expensive, hotels are still few outside the cities and major tourist areas.
Campsites: they start to open their doors everywhere in Iceland with the milder weather. Camping can therefore be very pleasant, but beware of the still biting cold at night!
Youth hostels: if you are looking for cheap accommodation, this is probably the best solution!
A bnb or homestay accommodation: in the city in houses or apartments, in the countryside in farms, this type of accommodation is very pleasant and allows to discover the Icelanders.

What to take in your luggage?

Before leaving, don't forget to look at everything you need to pack before leaving for Iceland.

In May, what activities to do in Iceland?

Discover below the list of activities to do in Iceland during the fifth month of the year:

Spring is the season of birds, and in Iceland you can see the famous puffin, but not only.
Discover the nature in full revival.
Admire the beautiful Icelandic capital, Reykjavik, and stroll through the streets and museums of the city.
Go to natural pools or spas in Iceland.
Take a horseback ride to discover Iceland in a different way.
In the calendar of events in Iceland, the month of May is quite poor: from 23 to 25 May 2019, takes place the Electronic Arts Festival in Reykjavík, this recognized festival where you will find Icelandic or international artists.

If you don't go in May, you can also discover Iceland:

]]>