Iceland is becoming one America’s most popular European travel destinations and rightfully so. The island offers adventures on land, sea and the dinner plate only five hours from the East Coast. It’s no wonder that it seems like everyone’s going to Iceland right now. I’m glad to see so many people going, because I love Iceland and have visited more than a dozen times. But sometimes it feels like you’ll hear “hello” more than “halló” when you walk into a kaffi hús (coffee house) in Reykjavik.
That’s why, for my most recent trip in late January, I decided to head to Husavik, in northern Iceland. What’s there to do in the middle of January in rural Northern Iceland? I’ll tell you, if you promise not to share the secrets with everybody else...
1. Myvatn Nature Baths
Everyone thinks they have to go to the Blue Lagoon, but a visit to the Myvatn Nature Baths will immerse you in Iceland’s invigorating pool culture. Even though the air temperature is a brisk 25 degrees fahrenheit, the naturally heated pools will keep you warm in just a bathing suit. Enjoy a view of the mountains while you make friends with the locals stopping by for their daily dip.
Time: 45 minutes by car from Husavik, budget 2-3 hours for your bath and a meal
Cost: $35 USD for entrance in the winter, $28 for lunch at the soup and salad bar.
Want to find the best hotel near the baths? Send me an email with "Myvatn" in the subject line.
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2. Dog Sledding
If you want get away from the tourist pack, try joining the dog pack. The cold temperatures never bother these happy huskies, who will take you a on a jaunty trip across Lake Myvatn. And it’s impossible to have cold hands or a cold heart when these furry babies roll over for bellyrubs after lunch.
Time/Cost: $275pp for a 2-hour tour, $30 to visit the kennels
Ready to run with the hounds? Send me an email with "Huskies" in the subject line.
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Winter doesn't get you down when you've got friends like these to snuggle!
3. Aurora Borealis - The Northern Lights
Winter is the best time to see the Aurora Borealis in the Northern Hemisphere. Although the Northern Lights occur throughout the year, they’re hard to see during the bright, long days of summer. Although they can be seen from any part of the island, even when landing at the Reykjavik airport, Icelandic lore holds that the Northern part of the island is the best place to view them. The Icelandic weather office issues a daily Aurora forecast, so be sure to check when conditions will be best for your trip.
If you want to truly zen out while enjoying the show, book a floating tour in one of Iceland’s thermal hot springs, where you can lie on your back in the warm waters and try your best to become one with the universe.
Time/Cost: Free to view for as long as you like.
Want to find the best spot to enjoy the stellar show? Send me an email with "Aurora" in the subject line.
4. Horseback riding
Icelandic horses are the 4x4 jeep of the equine world. Small and hardy, they’re known for their unique gaits: tölt, an ambling gait that lets horse and rider cover great distances at a good clip, and flugskeið, the “flying pace,” that lets them reach up to 30mph.
First brought to Iceland by Nordic settlers in the 9th century, the Icelandics, as they’re known, are perfectly happy in their homeland, having shed both their fear of predators and immunity to many diseases. That means that no other horses may be brought to the island, and any Icelandic exported to another country can never return home. Novice and experienced riders alike will enjoy meeting the Icelandic’s handsome manes and friendly personality.
Time/Cost: Varies depending on your preferences and experience. Expect to pay $90US for a 2-hour ride.
Ready to make friends with an Icelandic? Send me an email with "Icelandic Horse" in the subject line.
5. Whale Watching and the Húsavík Museum
Húsavík is the whale watching capital of Iceland, but very few tourists want to get into an open Zodiac to get up-close-and-personal with a humpback during the winter. Stay warm and dry instead by visiting the Húsavík museum. With exhibits on the biology, anthropology and history of Iceland, you’ll come out knowing more than the locals about everything from whale skeletons to how to build a traditional turf house.
Time/Cost: Budget two hours for the museum, and $7
Want to book a table at the best traditional Icelandic restaurant in Husavik? Shoot me an email with "Husavik Restaurant" in the subject line.
Husavik Harbor
6. The Westman Islands
The Westman Islands, Vestmannaaeyjar in Icelandic, are named for Irish Celts captured by Icelandic vikings in the 9th century and brought to the island as slaves. Today, the islands are a major destination for local tourists, hosting the annual Þjóðhátíð, Iceland’s national festival, every August. But it’s in the winter, when the crowds go home, that the islands really shine.
Located smack dab in the middle of the gulf stream, the islands get very little snow and are home to thousands of migratory seabirds. A hikers and birders paradise, the islands are easily accessible for a day or overnight trip with a 15-minute flight from Reykjavik.
Time/Cost: I recommend an overnight stay, but daytrips are possible too. Expect to pay $225 for a roundtrip flight or take the seasonal ferry from Landeyjahöfn for $20 roundtrip.
Want to find the best guide to birding and hiking on the Westman Islands? Send me an email with "Vestmannaaeyjar" in the subject line.
Downtown Vestmannaaeyjar