Iceland is an island nation blessed with beautiful scenery.
Located in the North Atlantic Ocean in Northern Europe, Iceland is an island nation with a population of about 300,000 people on a landmass slightly larger than Hokkaido. The country, which boasts some of the best public safety in the world, was founded by Norwegians and Celts between the end of the 9th and 10th centuries. It is also known for its long history of democratic self-governance, with the world's oldest democratic parliament, the Althing, established in 930. After that, it came under the control of Norway and Denmark from the 13th century onwards, but in the 19th century, the independence movement became active, and in 1918 it was established as the Kingdom of Iceland under the sovereignty of the Danish king. It achieved complete independence as a republic in 1944.
Iceland is the second largest island nation in Europe after Greenland, located at approximately 63 degrees to 66 degrees north latitude. Part of the country is within the Arctic Circle, and the country is dotted with beautiful landscapes woven by untouched nature. The Northern Lights, the land, and hot springs. This time, we will introduce the charms of a trip to Iceland in winter.
A fantastical light dancing in the night sky. Go on a journey to encounter the aurora borealis.
The best part of traveling to Iceland in winter is undoubtedly the sight of the Aurora Borealis dancing in the night sky.
While there are several countries and regions around the world famous for the Northern Lights, such as Alaska and Finland, there are many benefits to viewing the Northern Lights that are unique to Iceland.
One of the reasons is the ease of access. Reykjavik, located at a high latitude of about 64 degrees north, is the northernmost capital city in the world. In Iceland, the aurora can be observed in many places, including easily accessible locations around the capital, Reykjavik.
Another point is that the aurora can be seen relatively early in the day. In winter in Iceland, the chances of seeing the aurora increase from around 8 p.m. This is a big attraction for travelers visiting from far away, as there is a chance to see the aurora even if it is not late at night or early in the morning. Of course, the good public safety that is unique to Iceland is also a great advantage for nighttime aurora viewing.
Another big attraction for viewing the aurora in Iceland is the warm climate. For example, the average temperature in the capital, Reykjavik, is around 0°C to -1°C even during the coldest period from December to January. This makes it much easier to view the aurora than Alaska and northern Finland, where temperatures can range from -10°C to -30°C.
The Northern Lights can usually be seen in Iceland between September and April of the following year. In addition to famous aurora viewing spots such as Reykholt, located about 110km north of Reykjavik, and Hveragerði, located about 30km southeast of Reykjavik, you can also see the aurora from within Reykjavik city if the weather is good and the surroundings are dark. If you visit Iceland in winter, be sure to enjoy the fantastic light show dancing in the night sky.
Travel through the stunning landscapes woven by the earth
One of Iceland's most famous tourist areas is the "Golden Circle," which can be reached on a day trip from the capital, Reykjavik. This area, which consists of the World Heritage Sites Thingvellir National Park, Geysir Geyser, and Gullfoss Waterfall, is a place where you can enjoy the diverse and overwhelming beauty of the Icelandic land.
For example, Thingvellir National Park, located about 50km northeast of Reykjavik, is where the world's oldest democratic parliament, Althing, was once held. Located on the border between the Eurasian and North American plates, this place allows you to see the Gyá, a fissure in the earth created by the pulling of the plates against each other. The unique topography formed by the steep cliffs and the earth is breathtakingly impressive.
Geysir, located about 80km northeast of Reykjavik, is an area famous for its hot springs, dotted with large and small geysers. Highlights include Strokkur Geyser, which spews out huge columns of hot water 20-30m high, and Great Geysir, the largest geyser in the area, which sometimes shoots columns of hot water up to 60m high. These geysers vary in frequency and size depending on the time of year due to crustal movements and seismic activity, so it's recommended to check with a travel agency before visiting the area.
Furthermore, Gullfoss Waterfall, located about 90km northeast of Reykjavik, is the most beautiful waterfall in Iceland. A large amount of water flowing from the glacier falls in three tiers, creating a waterfall with a maximum width of about 70m and a height of about 35m. In addition, Iceland is dotted with breathtaking views created by the overwhelming land, such as Skogarfoss Waterfall, a huge waterfall with a height of 60m located in southern Iceland, and Namaskardu Geothermal Area.
Enjoy the spectacular view and soothing hot springs in one of the world's largest open-air baths
When you think of Iceland, many people probably imagine this scenery. The Blue Lagoon, located about 40km southwest of Reykjavik, is known as one of the world's largest open-air hot springs. This hot spring facility uses underground hot spring water pumped up for the adjacent geothermal power plant, and has an area equivalent to four 50m swimming pools. The open-air bath, filled with bluish milky hot spring water, welcomes travelers from all over the world with its enormous scale.
A variety of fun awaits at the Blue Lagoon, which can be enjoyed in a swimsuit. The surrounding natural scenery and the spacious bath where you can stretch out your limbs... The milky water and the white mud that settles in the hot springs are said to have the effect of beautifying the skin, and many people enjoy using mud packs. The facility also offers massage services for an additional fee, so be sure to take your time and enjoy the charms of the Blue Lagoon to the fullest. The Blue Lagoon is also located about 15 minutes by car from Keflavik International Airport, making it the perfect place to soothe your fatigue at the beginning or end of your trip.
The majestic aurora dancing in the clear night sky, the spectacular panorama painted by the powerful earth, and one of the world's largest open-air hot springs... You can experience all of these travel highlights in one trip, and that's the appeal of a winter trip to Iceland, starting from the capital, Reykjavik.
Comment
Iceland is a relatively warm place for viewing the Northern Lights, but it is still cold in the winter. The lowest temperature can drop to around -10°C, so if you want to enjoy watching the Northern Lights at night, don't forget to dress warmly! There are also many local tours that depart from the capital Reykjavik and travel to various regions, lasting from one to three nights, so we recommend joining one of them.
The contents published are accurate at the time of publication and are subject to change.
