Iceland in December
Discussion
I'm taking my wife for a surprise 40th birthday to Iceland near Christmas. So far I have only booked the flights and a small car. Can anybody recommend places to go/stay & see?
My first concern having spoken to someone who has been there, is that the roads out of the capitol are apparently snowy and icy. Can I presume that car hire company's hire cars with the correct tyres to deal with this?
Mark.
My first concern having spoken to someone who has been there, is that the roads out of the capitol are apparently snowy and icy. Can I presume that car hire company's hire cars with the correct tyres to deal with this?
Mark.
Went in January a couple of years back and hired a Suzuki Jimny, it had studded tyres on.
The roads were absolutely fine, until our second to last day, when we had been to Gulfoss and snowmobiling. Driving back to Reykjavik and we got caught in the mother of snow storms. This was unreal! We got to a point where it was dangerous, and in the middle of nowhere, we came across another stranded car, a local, who said not to try and go any further, and that the police are on their way. The police wouldn't be there til the morning though!!
Fortunately a local monster jeep came along and advised us with the studded tyres, we stood a chance of getting back, if we left straight away, as further down the mountain it wasn't nearly as bad.
So, yeah, studded tyres.
Just writing this really makes me want to go back, absolutely loved the place.
The roads were absolutely fine, until our second to last day, when we had been to Gulfoss and snowmobiling. Driving back to Reykjavik and we got caught in the mother of snow storms. This was unreal! We got to a point where it was dangerous, and in the middle of nowhere, we came across another stranded car, a local, who said not to try and go any further, and that the police are on their way. The police wouldn't be there til the morning though!!
Fortunately a local monster jeep came along and advised us with the studded tyres, we stood a chance of getting back, if we left straight away, as further down the mountain it wasn't nearly as bad.
So, yeah, studded tyres.
Just writing this really makes me want to go back, absolutely loved the place.
unclemark123 said:
I'm taking my wife for a surprise 40th birthday to Iceland near Christmas. So far I have only booked the flights and a small car. Can anybody recommend places to go/stay & see?
My first concern having spoken to someone who has been there, is that the roads out of the capitol are apparently snowy and icy. Can I presume that car hire company's hire cars with the correct tyres to deal with this?
Mark.
All rental cars in December will have studded tyres, it's compulsory. The internal roads will be closed, you'll be able to get as far as Gulfoss but no further. However Road 1 which follows the coastline will be open and provides access to lots of interesting places. We went to Gulfoss in a Vauxhall Corsa in December without issue. A 4x4 is more relevant in the summer for river crossings in the centre of the island - in December you won't be deviating off road so a normal car will be fine.My first concern having spoken to someone who has been there, is that the roads out of the capitol are apparently snowy and icy. Can I presume that car hire company's hire cars with the correct tyres to deal with this?
Mark.
The New Year fireworks in Reyjavik are spectacular if you're there for that.
Make sure you do lots of swimming - all the pools in Iceland are outdoors - it's great fun in the snow, plus they have hot pots and saunas outside too. We generally go to the leisure centre in Seltjarnarness - 25 min walk from the town centre.
How long are you going for?
The main roads will be open and hire cars will have appropriate tyres. The "Golden Circle" of Þingvellir, Gullfoss and Geysir will all be drivable and doable in a day but last time we went we stayed in a guesthouse near Geysir and did it in two days with loads of stops to look at other stuff.
Blue Lagoon is expensive but worth a visit, IMO it's a lot better in the winter than in warmer weather.
Definitely do a 4x4 tour, they cost a few quid but will take you places you'd have no hope of getting on your own, we did a full day trip up on to the Langjökull glacier, and just generally driving around with a knowledgeable guide pointing out stuff was really interesting too.
We also went dog sledding which was good fun.
If you're there for longer than a weekend then Route 1 along the south coast takes you past lots of scenic stuff.
ETA: Not been in December, but been in October and February and had very little snow in the south.
The main roads will be open and hire cars will have appropriate tyres. The "Golden Circle" of Þingvellir, Gullfoss and Geysir will all be drivable and doable in a day but last time we went we stayed in a guesthouse near Geysir and did it in two days with loads of stops to look at other stuff.
Blue Lagoon is expensive but worth a visit, IMO it's a lot better in the winter than in warmer weather.
Definitely do a 4x4 tour, they cost a few quid but will take you places you'd have no hope of getting on your own, we did a full day trip up on to the Langjökull glacier, and just generally driving around with a knowledgeable guide pointing out stuff was really interesting too.
We also went dog sledding which was good fun.
If you're there for longer than a weekend then Route 1 along the south coast takes you past lots of scenic stuff.
ETA: Not been in December, but been in October and February and had very little snow in the south.
I went last December and had a great time! We had tours arranged as part of the deal we booked but if i went again i wouldn't bother and would just drive to them myself. The golden circle tour is a must, you can find out the locations and drive yourself easily.
Additionally i would recommend driving to:-
Skogafoss Waterfall, its impressive, there are also a few other waterfalls on the way.
Crashed DC5 on the beach, this is about 20 minutes further down the road from Skogafoss and a little off road drive on the beach to get to.
Kirkjufell is also worth seeing, a bit of a drive if the conditions aren't that great but worth it, its the most photographed mountain in Iceland, it was in the background in a scene in GoT recently.
Jökulsárlón - Iceberg beach. I didnt get to do this and really regret it.
Also, a cool bar to go to in Reykjavik was called Slip Barin. Good cocktails, good vibe.
Additionally i would recommend driving to:-
Skogafoss Waterfall, its impressive, there are also a few other waterfalls on the way.
Crashed DC5 on the beach, this is about 20 minutes further down the road from Skogafoss and a little off road drive on the beach to get to.
Kirkjufell is also worth seeing, a bit of a drive if the conditions aren't that great but worth it, its the most photographed mountain in Iceland, it was in the background in a scene in GoT recently.
Jökulsárlón - Iceberg beach. I didnt get to do this and really regret it.
Also, a cool bar to go to in Reykjavik was called Slip Barin. Good cocktails, good vibe.
TheLimla said:
Jökulsárlón - Iceberg beach. I didnt get to do this and really regret it.
Agree that's well worth a visit, but a fair old drive from Reykjavik, when we went along the south coast road we booked some B&B's out that way so treated it as a tour rather than day tripping from one place. There's also the black beach at Vik and several other good sights out that way.Jökulsárlón was the most expensive bit our trip though, cost me a diamond ring
Then the gf now wife complained that it cost her a fortune ringing all her family and friends from Iceland 
Don't bother with the Blue Lagoon, go here instead. Icelands oldest pool and a proper natural spring, not a man made one like the Blue Lagoon.
Worth checking out this Tomato greenhouse too, impressive what they grow through the year in Iceland.
http://secretlagoon.is/
http://fridheimar.is/en
We have been to both of these in February, the roads were fine despite lots of snow. You can tack them onto a golden circle tour.
Worth checking out this Tomato greenhouse too, impressive what they grow through the year in Iceland.
http://secretlagoon.is/
http://fridheimar.is/en
We have been to both of these in February, the roads were fine despite lots of snow. You can tack them onto a golden circle tour.
unclemark123 said:
Thanks for the info all. Not a bad word from anyone - really looking forward to it now. we arrive mid day on Monday 19th Dec, back home Friday morning.
I think I will study a map carefully and plan a route. Want to cram in as much as I can
Mark.
We were there around that date last year.. be prepared for how dark it's going to be. I think I will study a map carefully and plan a route. Want to cram in as much as I can
Mark.
We saw the sunrise from the top of the Hallgrimskirkja in Reyjavik on the 21st, was around midday, a nice leisurely start to the day to see that but recommend visiting it if you're into buildings
Don't wear an England shirt, you'll be a laughing stock 
This is an interesting place to eat
http://www.perlan.is/?lang=en
This is an interesting place to eat
http://www.perlan.is/?lang=en
Hotel Ranga without a doubt. Expensive (ish) but well worth it even if just for one night.
http://www.hotelranga.is/
http://www.hotelranga.is/
If we're on to good eateries, this place is really good, think we had about 15 species in one meal
http://sjavargrillid.com/en/
I'd also recommend the Tapas place in Reykjavik, rather than committing yourself to a whole puffin or a plate full of foal (tastiest meat I've ever tried) you can try a small plate of everything.
The Laundromat is pretty good if you just fancy a burger though.
http://sjavargrillid.com/en/
I'd also recommend the Tapas place in Reykjavik, rather than committing yourself to a whole puffin or a plate full of foal (tastiest meat I've ever tried) you can try a small plate of everything.
The Laundromat is pretty good if you just fancy a burger though.
Have been a couple of times, once for a long weekend in late September, and once in January for 5 days for my wife's 40th. Fantastic place and would go back again.
Golden Circle as above is a minimum. Winter in a hire car is fun, studded tyres help but even with a Ford Explorer 4x4 we found when the weather closed in driving can be a bit dicey. However most of the time the weather is more like Scotland than the artic circle.
If you have longer then there is whale watching, northern lights, Jökulsárlón etc. We found a lovely remote hotel for our 2nd visit: http://www.hotelbudir.is/
Also Icelandic pony trekking in winter was great. My wife loved it, and even I enjoyed it and horses do nothing for me! http://islenskihesturinn.is/
Here's some pics to give you an idea:
January: https://www.flickr.com/photos/giveitfish/sets/7215...
September: https://www.flickr.com/photos/giveitfish/sets/7215...
Golden Circle as above is a minimum. Winter in a hire car is fun, studded tyres help but even with a Ford Explorer 4x4 we found when the weather closed in driving can be a bit dicey. However most of the time the weather is more like Scotland than the artic circle.
If you have longer then there is whale watching, northern lights, Jökulsárlón etc. We found a lovely remote hotel for our 2nd visit: http://www.hotelbudir.is/
Also Icelandic pony trekking in winter was great. My wife loved it, and even I enjoyed it and horses do nothing for me! http://islenskihesturinn.is/
Here's some pics to give you an idea:
January: https://www.flickr.com/photos/giveitfish/sets/7215...
September: https://www.flickr.com/photos/giveitfish/sets/7215...
2 sMoKiN bArReLs said:
Even if you don't go to eat, it's worth a visit as you can still access the viewing balcony around the dome for free which gives a really good elevated view of Reykjavik. giveitfish said:
Have been a couple of times, once for a long weekend in late September, and once in January for 5 days for my wife's 40th. Fantastic place and would go back again.
Golden Circle as above is a minimum. Winter in a hire car is fun, studded tyres help but even with a Ford Explorer 4x4 we found when the weather closed in driving can be a bit dicey. However most of the time the weather is more like Scotland than the artic circle.
If you have longer then there is whale watching, northern lights, Jökulsárlón etc. We found a lovely remote hotel for our 2nd visit: http://www.hotelbudir.is/
Also Icelandic pony trekking in winter was great. My wife loved it, and even I enjoyed it and horses do nothing for me! http://islenskihesturinn.is/
Here's some pics to give you an idea:
January: https://www.flickr.com/photos/giveitfish/sets/7215...
September: https://www.flickr.com/photos/giveitfish/sets/7215...
Photos are fantastic, and thanks for the help Golden Circle as above is a minimum. Winter in a hire car is fun, studded tyres help but even with a Ford Explorer 4x4 we found when the weather closed in driving can be a bit dicey. However most of the time the weather is more like Scotland than the artic circle.
If you have longer then there is whale watching, northern lights, Jökulsárlón etc. We found a lovely remote hotel for our 2nd visit: http://www.hotelbudir.is/
Also Icelandic pony trekking in winter was great. My wife loved it, and even I enjoyed it and horses do nothing for me! http://islenskihesturinn.is/
Here's some pics to give you an idea:
January: https://www.flickr.com/photos/giveitfish/sets/7215...
September: https://www.flickr.com/photos/giveitfish/sets/7215...
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