Room With A View

Iceland? In The Winter?

Ok, before you decide that visiting Iceland in the winter is the worst idea that you have ever heard and go running to the nearest website promising you suntans and coconuts filled with rum and paper umbrellas, give me a chance here. Remember the words of Maria in Mighty Ducks: D2

Greenland is covered in ice, Iceland is really nice

I know, it might not be the deepest thing that you’ve ever heard. And, yes, in the winter especially, Iceland will be covered in Ice as much as Greenland. But, even so, the truth still holds. Iceland isreally nice. Even in the middle of winter.

Even Without the Midnight Sun, the Skies are Still on Fire Because of the far northern location of Iceland (along with Alaska, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Greenland) night time presents one of the most amazing light shows in the world: the Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis. Those of us that live further south will get the chance to see them on rare occasion. I’ve seen them in New Hampshire and southern Canada a smattering of times. The further north that you go, the more reliable and stunning they become: shimmering dancing curtains of green, yellow and blue light. Sometimes even red.

In the past, people came up with all sorts of explanations: my personal favorite is that they are the souls of unwed women who have died. Today we know that they are caused by solar radiation interacting with the earth atmosphere. This explanation doesn’t change the fact that the Northern lights are one of the most beautiful sights that a person can hope to see.

Every year, countless tourists flock to the Northern countries with the hopes of seeing the lights. No small number take advantage of their summer holidays, head up North for a week…

Aurora Borealis

…and realize that they forgot something. In the summer, the sun barely sets, if at all. You can’t see the northern lights in Iceland (or anywhere else) unless it gets dark enough so that you have a chance of seeing them!

Now, you might be thinking, that it’s all well and good that you can only see the northern lights if it’s the middle of winter, but no lightshow is worth standing outside in the freezing cold just on the off chance that you’ll see something flicker.

This is why Iceland is the best place to go! Iceland is overflowing with volcanic activity. The happy upshot of this is that every town, and many of even the smaller hotels have their own outdoor hot tubs that are naturally heated. Get out of Reykjavík (maybe pop up to the northern capital of Akureyri) and get away from the city lights. Share a bottle of schnappes with your travelling mate and as the steam swirls around you, keep an eye out for the Northern lights, shooting stars and whatever else may be up in the sky.

Will I Be Able to Enjoy Anything Else in Iceland?

It is true that many of Iceland’s museums and other attractions will be closed, or have greatly reduced hours during the winter. But, don’t let that stop you. The natural resources never quit. The Golden circle becomes even more impressive in the winter. Gulfoss waterfall is stunning anytime of year, but when the waterfall consists of frozen cataracts, a stilled waterfall, it will fill you with awe.

Geysir (the erupting water plume after which all others are named) bursts forth out of the frozen ground, as much as 65 meters high. The contrast is impossible not to appreciate.

Þingvellir is astounding in the winter, and you’ll have a once in a lifetime opportunity if you come in the winter. Scuba diving or snorkeling in the chasm between Europe and North America while wearing a drysuit. The water is some of the clearest in the world, with visibility for hundreds of meters. Special tours are easily arranged and you will have a story to tell your friends back home to settle any doubts that you are the most adventurous person that they have ever met.

Iceland is notoriously expensive. Despite the recent economic issues, Iceland is still not a cheap destination. That being said, you can really cash in by visiting Iceland in the winter. Many hotels cut rates by as much as 50%. That means more money in your pocket to stay a few extra days, or really splurge on a nice meal. Also, by going in the off-season you’ll get to have Iceland to yourself. So, you’ll have more money–fewer other tourists. Sounds like a win to me.

Let Your Inner Viking Go Berserk

January 22 through Feb 22 is when Icelanders go back to their Viking roots and celebrate the midwinter feast of Þorrablót. The feast originated as a celebration that winter was halfway completed and that people had survived. Traditionally, people would save the finest foods (most of which had been put aside to ferment the previous year) and begin consuming them on the holiday. Delicacies include putrefied shark, jellied sheep’s head, dried fish. These foods are pretty much only consumed during the holiday.

This is your only chance to really taste these traditional foods. Sure, they aren’t likely to be topping any international menus in the near future, but as far as unique food opportunities go, this is pretty high up there.

If the flavor gets you down, the good news is that there is plenty of brennivín (an Icelandic schnapps) to wash it down. The common nickname is Black Death, and it is especially potent. You can be sure that after a few drinks, you’ll be ready to join everyone in the rest of the evening celebrations of song and dance.

If you’re looking for sunshine, sand and a killer tan, Iceland will not be the place to go in January. But, if you’ve got an urge to really go off the beaten path and have experiences that most other people will only ever read about, why not explore this northern country. Give yourself the gift of an experience that you will truly remember for years to come.

José Portuondo is the founder of unique-vacation-ideas.com, a website dedicated to helping you find the destination that you never knew you always wanted to go to. Updated regularly, and with vacation ideas grouped by season and region you’ll be sure that you never miss out on that unexpected gem of a holiday.

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Important Facts About Iceland
By Guy Gutraiman

Hverir area in Iceland

Iceland is a volcanic island on the mid-Atlantic Ridge.

The centre of the country is approximately at 65° N and 18° W. The closest countries are Greenland, 287 km, the Faroe Islands, 420 km, and Scotland, 798 km. Iceland’s area is 102,700 km2 and its coastline 6300 km, and 37% of the country is over 600 m above sea level. Only 2% of the country is arable land and two-thirds of it is sparsely vegetated desert or glaciers.

Glaciers cover about 11% of the country’s surface, and the biggest of them is Vatnajokull, which is 8300 km2. Also, the highest mountain in the country is there, Hvannadalshnjukur 2119 m. Iceland was part of the Danish empire until 1918 but obtained full independence in 1944. Every four years in general elections representatives are elected to Althingi, which has one chamber, and the President is also nationally elected.

The country is divided into five electoral districts, 20 administrative districts and 101 municipalities. The population is 319,000 and two-thirds of the inhabitants live in the capital city area, about 40% of these in the capital city Reykjavík. Most of the larger towns are near the capital city: Kopavogur, Hafnarfjordur, Mosfellsbaer and Gardabaer, but of the other larger towns the largest are Akureyri in North Iceland and Reykjanesbaer in the southwest corner.

About 70% of the population work in the service sector, about 25% in industry and only 5% in agriculture and fisheries, while about 60% of the total export value is from seafood products and about 36% from the industry.

Guy Gutraiman is a resident of Iceland and the editor of Iceland Portal, a complete travel guide to Iceland. To learn more facts about Iceland visit our Iceland Travel Information website.

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Top Five Reasons to Visit Iceland
By Isabella Olsen

Many imagine Iceland to be a very cold place with frozen landscapes, which is partly true. However, this island country in the North Atlantic Ocean has much more to offer. To get you started, here are five reasons to visit Iceland.

Volcanic lava terrain

Iceland – The Land of Fire and Ice

Iceland is a country of contrasting landscapes, which is why it is called the Land of Fire and Ice. Indeed, you will find many glaciers when you visit Iceland, particularly in the western parts of the country, including the largest in Europe – the Vatnajokull, but at the same time, you will also find dozens of volcanoes, both active and extinct, along with plenty of lava fields, hot springs and geysers. In fact, Iceland has more hot springs than any country on earth while the term geyser itself is derived from Iceland’s Great Geysir in Haukadalur.

Aside from these, Iceland also has many waterfalls, including Dettifoss, the most powerful waterfall in Europe and the beautiful Black Falls. It also has many lakes, rivers, fjords, mountains, and small islands, like the Westman Islands, which are all worth exploring.

To experience the best of Iceland’s natural wonders, make sure you head to the Golden Circle, venture into the Highlands, or drop by the country’s national parks – Snaefellsjokul, Vatnajokull and Thingvellir – and prepare to be awed.

Possible dwelling place of elves and trolls

Icelandic Folklore

Iceland is not only rich in natural wonders. It also has an interesting wealth of cultural heritage, which is particularly evident in its family sagas and folktales concerning sorcerers, ghosts and mythical creatures such as dragons, elves, dwarves, trolls and ogres. If you want to hear these tales or learn more about these creatures, you should go to Lambi and Hafnarfjorour, where elves are said to dwell or simply ask one of the locals.

You can also visit the Icelandic Wonders Museum to get a glimpse of the lives of elves and trolls or take a class at the Icelandic Elf School.

Iceberg at Jokulsarlon

Winter Wonderland

Winter is a magical season in Iceland, when the mountains and plains are covered in fresh snow, the lakes and waterfalls freeze over and the Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights put up a heavenly show, lighting up the skies in many parts of the country. This is especially true during the Christmas season, when entire cities, towns and villages are illuminated with twinkling nights and the thirteen Yule Lads wander around to spread mischief and Christmas cheer. You can even visit the Yule Lads in their caves near Akureyri.

Although many roads are closed, there are still plenty of activities available, particularly winter sports like skiing, ice skating and bobsledding.The largest ski resort in Iceland is Blafjoll, which is just several minutes away from the capital city, Reykjavik.

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Icelandic horses

Horse Tours and Other Exciting Outdoor Adventures

Iceland is also well known for its unique horse breed, which, though small, is known for being hardy and easy to ride, and the chance to ride one is one of the reasons why you should visit Iceland. Indeed, riding an Icelandic horse is a rare and amazing experience which you should try out and it is definitely a great way to explore Iceland’s beautiful natural landscapes, especially since Icelandic horses remain sure-footed on most terrains. For this reason, there are many horse tours available in Iceland, with varying itineraries and duration.

Aside from horse back riding, there are many other exciting outdoor activities for you to try when you visit Iceland, such as playing golf under the midnight sun, cycling around Reykjavik and hiking in the mountains and fjords. Water sports abound, as well, such as rafting, swimming, sea kayaking and sport fishing. One of the things you shouldn’t miss, though, is the wildlife encounters Iceland has to offer, like birdwatching in Latrabjarg and catching a glimpse of the minke, blue, humpback and killer whales off the coast of Husavik.

Icelandic band Sigurros

Music

Icelanders are music lovers so look forward to an interesting music scene when you visit Iceland. Here, you will hear folk songs streaming from small villages and local pubs, classical music resounding from concert halls and theaters, rock music pulsating in the various night clubs and many other types of music. In fact, Iceland even has its own metal scene, while jazz fans will love hanging around during the Reykjavik Jazz Festival. Of course, Bjork’s albums are sold in almost every music store, too, and if you’re lucky, you might even get to watch one of her concerts.

Isabella Olsen writes for various travel magazines and has traveled to many global tourist destinations including Iceland by car. To book your car hire Iceland or learn more about cheap car hire worldwide, visit Zencarhire.com.

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The Five Most Popular Iceland Waterfalls
By Linka Po

The waterfalls of Iceland are world-famous for their plentitude, diversity and breathtaking beauty. Below is a list of five of the country’s most famous and frequently visited falls.

1) Gullfoss is inarguably Iceland’s most famous waterfall. This awe-inspiring wonder is a two-tier waterfall that drops a total of 32 meters and spans the entire breadth of the Hvítá River. Visitors can view Gullfoss from several vantage points at both levels. An ever-present mist wafts at the lower level but one can still catch glimpses of wildflowers swaying in the breeze. Located a day’s trip away from the capital city of Reykjavík, it is one of the three main attractions of “The Golden Circle” and is considered a must-see for any visitor to Iceland.

Gullfoss

2) At 44 meters tall and 100 meters wide, and tucked into a canyon, Dettifoss is Europe’s most powerful waterfall. The breathtaking falls are part of a glacial river, and because their icy waters are unregulated and the rate of erosion of the brinks is quite high, visitors will have to be careful not to get too close to the edge and fall in! The west bank of Dettifoss is about 17 kilometers from Reykjavik, but the route there is quite rugged and difficult. The east bank is more tourist-friendly and offers a diverse set of views for those who wish to photograph this wild and raging wonder.

Thundering Dettifoss

3) Skógafoss on the Skoga River (easily spotted from the Ring Road, 105 kilometers east of the town of Selfoss) follows right behind Gullfoss as one of Iceland’s most famous falls. Its classic rectangular shape and stunning height of 60 meters make it an instant favorite amongst visitors who might be craving to see a traditional or iconic waterfall. The base of Skógafoss is easy to access and usually has hoards of visitors, and there is even a path leading up to the top of the waterfall.

Skógafoss

4) Dynjandi in the remote Westfjords region takes the cake for being Iceland’s most unique (and, according to many, most beautiful) waterfall. It is actually a series of seven falls that together form a trapezoidal shape that reaches 100 meters in height. Visitors can actually hike up a trail to reach the highest tier, which affords a majestic, panoramic view of the falls and of the Arnarfjörður fjord.

Dynjandi

5) Godafoss, or “waterfall of the Gods,” holds a special place in the historic imagination of the Icelandic people. In the year 1000, when the lawspeaker of Iceland faced pressure to convert the nation to Christianity, he flung the icons of his Norse dieties into the falls, but secretly continued to worship them. Conveniently located close to the Ring Road between Akureyri and Mývatn, Godafoss is a must-see, visitor-friendly attraction that actually allows vacationers to bring their cars right up to the brink of 12-meter-high waterfall, which flows into the wide Skjálfandafljót River.

Goðafoss

Planning a vacation to Iceland? Visit this Iceland travel guide for more information.

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++ One more waterfall ++

Us here at Room With a View Hotel feel that one more waterfall has to be added to this list:

6) Seljalandsfoss is one of the most famous waterfalls of Iceland. It is very picturesque and therefore its photo can be found in many books and calendars. It was a waypoint during the first leg of The Amazing Race 6.
Seljalandsfoss is situated in between Selfoss and Skógafoss at the road crossing of Route 1 (the Ring Road) with the track going into Þórsmörk.
This waterfall of the river Seljalandsá drops 60 metres (200 ft) over the cliffs of the former coastline.
It is possible to go behind the waterfall.

Seljalandsfoss

The New Year’s Eve in reykjavik, Iceland is like nothing you have ever experienced before. In this land of fire and ice we do things a bit different. First of all, Reykjavik is know for it’s wild nightlife and long dark winter nights but that’s not all. This northernmost capital of the world celebrates New Year’s Eve with tradition and loving dedication.

At six ‘o clock the ceremony starts with the mass from Reykjavik’s Cathedral and you will find it hard to find a home that does not have the radio on listening to it. The mass is then followed by a dinner.

Later in the evening, many people go out to a bonfire which you can find all over town and then later watch the spectacular fireworks display that Icelanders have become world famous for.

Soon after midnight people meet in downtown Reykjavik to party and it can get pretty wild and usually we party late into the morning. On this last day of the year the Reykjavik nightlife always goes to a boiling point – hot, loud and so much fun!

On New Year’s Eve all the guest at Room With A View meet on the roof where they can see over the whole city and enjoy the fireworks with a glass of champagne. Have you booked your room yet?

Don’t miss it!