Welcome the winter solstice in Iceland
What to expect in December
Iceland is magical in the winter.
Yes, it’s dark and cold, but that’s part of its allure this time of year. With just a little preparation, you’ll be all set to enjoy it, whether searching out hologram Santas hidden throughout the capital, hunting for the Aurora Borealis, or venturing out to glaciers and volcanoes
Weather
The average temperature in Iceland in December is 30-39° Fahrenheit. You’ll want to dress in layers so you can enjoy those outdoor adventures, then shed a bit when you’re ready to wander a museum or sip some Brennivín (Iceland’s clear, unsweetened schnapps) next to a cozy fire.
Make room in your suitcase for a parka, wool or fleece sweaters, long underwear, a hat & gloves, and waterproof hiking boots and pants.
Darkness
This close to the Arctic Circle this time of year, night dominates the sky. On average, the sunlight will only touch the land for about four hours each day! In other words, the days are short. Very short.
For most of us, this is a whole lot more darkness than we’re used to, and it’s easy to lose track of time. Set alarms on your phone to remind yourself of reservations and plan day trips that make the most of the daylight hours.
Festivities
Even if you’re there for the Winter Solstice, you’ll still get a good dose of Christmas cheer. Icelanders celebrate Advent, which starts four Sundays before Christmas Day, and their celebrations ramp up throughout the month.
Getting around
Most will fly into Iceland’s Keflavik International Airport, located about 30 miles outside of Rekyjavík. There are various ways to get from the airport to Reykjavík, including Flybus, Airport Direct, and public bus #55.
Once there, heads up…there is no Uber or Lyft! This will shock some systems but will appeal to the adventurous who will enjoy taking taxis and using the city’s amazing public transportation system.
Where to stay
Though Iceland can be expensive due to a high VAT (Valued Added Tax), accommodations are reasonably-priced even in Rekyjavík.
There are plenty of fun VRBO and Airbnb options if you want a real “home” base, but there are also plenty of hostels, bed & breakfasts, and hotels. Here are just a few recommendations:
The Blue House
Foss Hotel
Freyja Guesthouse & Suites
Rekyjavík Residence House
Local flavors
There are so many options for your tastebuds in Iceland!
If you’re into trying the local cuisine...and you should...consider Café Loki, a popular spot with an amazing view of Hallgrimskirkja Church. Try rye bread with toppings of herring and trout, Icelandic cakes, traditional stews and soups, and local specialties like Hákarl (fermented shark) and Harðfiskur (dried fish). Laekjarbrekka is also a good option for traditional fare, though pricier.
For quick, affordable options, head to Hlemmur Mathöll (Food Hall), which also becomes a Christmas market this time of year. It’s located in a former bus stop and offers everything from tacos to Bahn mi.
Finally, don’t miss out on an “Ein með öllu" or "One with Everything,"," considered the national dish by devotees. It’s basically a hot dog with onions and remoulade served in a bun. You’ll find it at food stands all around the city, Bæjarins Bestu being the most popular.
Museums
If museums are your favorite place to stay toasty, then Reykjavík is the place for you. There’s at least a dozen covering all aspects of art, history, and nature, from the awe-inspiring Perlan to the traditional Natural Museum of Iceland to the quirky Icelandic Phallological Museum, just to name a few.
And any museum-goer knows that museum cafes serve some of the best food around and their shops can be a great place to pick up last-minute holiday gifts.
Swimming
Yes, it deserves its own category. And yes, you need to pack your swimming suit for a December trip to Iceland! We’ll explore this more below.
Christmas
Festive lights will flicker from windows, either in the form of the Advent wreaths or candelabras. Concerts and carolers will sound throughout the city. Locals will be ice-skating and shopping. And Christmas markets, the perfect place to shop for holiday gifts to bring home, will pop up throughout the city. Here are where to find some of the locals’ favorites…
Ingólfstorg Square (which features an ice-skating rink)
The suburb of Hafnarfjörður
Heiðmörk Forest on the edge of Reykjavík
Árbær Open Air Museum
Lagoons
According to Iceland’s official tourism site, it has “some of the most active volcanoes” in the World. This translates into inviting geothermal pools of water you can dip into year-round. Two of the most popular are the Blue Lagoon and the Secret Lagoon. So bundle up, get yourself there, then strip down to your swimsuit and luxuriate in the heated waters.
If you don’t want to venture out of Reykjavík, no worries! Icelanders’ love of water has ensured they have plenty of bathing opportunities in their capital, both indoor and outdoor, also open year-round. Try Sundhöllin, Seltjarnarneslaug, or Arbaejarlaug.
Northern Lights
If you’re going to Iceland in winter, you can’t miss seeing the Northern Lights, or aurora borealis.
It is possible to see them in Reykjavík if you can get away from the city lights. The peninsula of Seltjarnarnes, located just on the edge of the city (and the location of The Blue House B&B) is a perfect spot to see the aurora borealis shimmer over the ocean and get some photographs of you with it!
Another cool way to see the Northern Lights is on an overnight tour with Buubble. You’ll stay in your very own transparent, luxury bubble for two, with stars and the lights flickering above!
So much more!
For more natural wonders, also consider a Golden Circle Tour or South Coast Tour, which will get you close to glaciers, waterfalls, geothermal springs, and more.
Great outdoor activities to consider in December are:
Snowmobiling
Glacier hiking
Exploring ice caves & lava caves
Walks on black sandy beaches
Snorkeling (yes, in winter)
Honor the day by making your way to the memorial of Sveinbjörn Beinteinsson in the evening. Beinteinsson helped revive Ásatrú, the ancient religion of the Vikings, which has seen a major resurgence in Iceland as it celebrates our connection with nature. Their sacred Winter Solstice ceremony, Jólablót (Yule-blót), is family-friendly and open to the public.
Toast the sun with a tour at Olgerdin Brewery, the oldest brewery in Iceland, established in 1913. Learn about the beer-making process and sample some of their many products, including schnapps, beers, and that Viking favorite, honey wine.
Celebrate with a bar crawl and the famous nightlife of Reykjavík. Most bars and clubs are located in walking distance of each other, are friendly and welcoming, and open until 5 am! Dress smart!
For a truly Icelandic evening, start with a dip at Sundhöllin indoor pool then take a stroll through the Einar Jónsson Museum sculpture garden and past Hallgrimskirkja Church, which looks like a stone incarnation of its inspiration, the Svartifoss Waterfall. Finish with burgers at the quirky Chuck Norris Grill and a beer at Ölstofan pub.
If you’re looking to book a holiday vacation with a personal photographer, Iceland at Winter Solstice won’t disappoint.
The people are friendly and this country of contrasts...night and day, fire and ice, pagan traditions and Christmas celebrations...will offer epic photo opportunities. Book your photographer today!