Visit Iceland in winter to see the colorful aurora
Located in the North Atlantic Ocean, Iceland has a land area slightly larger than Hokkaido. Located at latitudes between 63° and 66° north, this country, with beautiful nature including vast glaciers, is one of the world's most breathtaking "country of spectacular views." In particular, the mysterious aurora dancing in the pitch black sky is something to enjoy in the winter season when the nights are long. Located at a high latitude, Iceland's entire land area is directly under the "aurora belt," which is ideal for aurora viewing. You can enjoy the aurora not only in the wilderness with few city lights, but even in the capital city of Reykjavik. The aurora dancing in the pitch black sky will welcome travelers with a variety of colors, including green, blue, and red.
The period when the aurora is easiest to see is usually from September to April. In fact, the aurora occurs all year round, but it is difficult to see with the naked eye during the summer when the midnight sun is close. This season, when the dark hours are longer, is the best time to see them. If you want to enjoy the aurora easily around Reykjavik, the gateway to Iceland, we recommend the Grotta Lighthouse, located on the western edge of Seltjarnarnes, an administrative district located northwest of Reykjavik. From the peninsula jutting out into the sea, there is a high chance of seeing the aurora twinkling in the night sky.
In addition, Iceland is dotted with many famous spots for viewing the Aurora, including Reykholt, located about 110 km northeast of Reykjavik, and the glacial lake Jokulsarlon in the southeastern part of Iceland.
A beautiful blue view that you'll want to enjoy especially in the cold season
The Aurora Borealis shines in a variety of colors, including green, blue, and red, but these are not the only colors you can encounter in Iceland. For example, in winter, Iceland has a beautiful blue color that is perfect for enjoying at this time of year.
One of these is the Blue Lagoon, located about 40km southwest of Reykjavik. Also known as the "world's largest open-air bath," this bathing facility uses underground hot water pumped up by geothermal power generation. As its name suggests, the hot springs filled with milky bluish water are loved as one of Iceland's most spectacular and relaxing spots. This large resort, which also features a huge open-air bath, spa, massage, and restaurant facilities, is conveniently located and accessible from the airport. The Blue Lagoon can be enjoyed all year round, but enjoying the hot springs during the cold season is something special! This is a special spot that you should visit in the winter.
Another place where you can enjoy the unique blue of Iceland is the "Ice Cave" located near the Vatnajökull glacier in eastern Iceland. Vatnajökull glacier is known as the largest glacier in Iceland, and it is amazing that the glacier is as thick as 1,000m at its thickest. The "Ice Cave" is a place where part of the glacier melted and became a cave. It is a secret spot that can only be visited in winter because there is a risk of it melting and collapsing in summer. When you enter the cave, you will see a world of deep blue ice that covers your entire view, and it is a spectacular beauty. The location of the "Ice Cave" varies from year to year, so it is common to join a tour led by a professional guide. There are also tours based in Reykjavik, so why not give it a try?
Head to the Golden Circle where the golden waterfall awaits
After enjoying the blue winter sky, head to the "Golden Circle", which is dotted with Iceland's most famous natural scenic spots. This area is filled with dynamic nature, including Thingvellir National Park, where you can see the "Gjau", a fissure in the earth, and Strokkur Geyser, which shoots boiling water up to a height of about 20 meters. Beautiful colors created by nature await you here.
One of the must-sees on the Golden Circle is the beautiful Gullfoss waterfall, which is about 70 meters wide at its widest point. Gullfoss means "golden waterfall" in Icelandic. As its name suggests, it sometimes shines golden when exposed to sunlight. The waterfall's flowing water, which does not freeze even in the winter when the surrounding area is covered in snow, is breathtaking in scale. What colors will Gullfoss show in the winter? Why not visit the Golden Circle to find the answer?
Iceland, where the Northern Lights can be seen throughout the country, is dotted with breathtaking landscapes of various colors. Of course, you might even see the Northern Lights floating in the night sky on your way home from exploring the spectacular views! There are beautiful moments in Iceland that can only be seen in winter.
Comment
Iceland is located near the Arctic Circle, but due to the influence of the Mexican Warm Current and geothermal heat from volcanic activity, it is actually relatively warm compared to other aurora viewing areas such as Alaska and Canada! Another big attraction is that if you take proper measures to protect yourself from the cold, you can enjoy viewing the aurora in comfort.
The contents published are accurate at the time of publication and are subject to change.
