Why your next winter island getaway is 66 degrees North (in 6 tips)
You’ve pulled the trigger on your winter trip to Iceland! Congratulations, you are in for a treat. Here are 6 practical tips for how to prepare, stay safe, and make the most of your adventure.
6. Layer, layer, layer. If you think you’re going to have to empty your wallet for some Arctic-ready gear, we have good news for you. Iceland isn’t that cold...but it can get very windy. We found that with some smart layering and a few essential pieces of gear, we were ready to go from coffee shop to glacier.
Non-negotiable items start with a waterproof outer shell and a thick winter jacket, preferably one with a hood for added wind protection. You’ll also want some close fitting base layers. The real star of our trip, though, were the fleece leggings. These were an everyday staple for us - warm on their own, but down-right toasty when you layer them with another pair of leggings or jeans. Finally, make sure to invest in your fingers and toes; this is where you’ll really feel the cold leak in. Wool socks, above the ankle snow boots, waterproof gloves and a fleece-lined hat were absolute essentials.
5. Leave the transportation to experienced drivers. Renting a car is a great way to explore Iceland in the winter, but it does come with some additional stress, responsibility and expenses. If you decide to go the rental route, be sure to get a 4WD and book early, especially if you don’t drive manual - the supply of automatic vehicles is limited. Make sure you pack emergency equipment, have cell phone access with stored emergency numbers, and keep an eye on the forecast. It would also be wise to minimize your time driving at night.
While we found the main routes to be frequently plowed, there were also many times we encountered snow and slick ice, and we came across a number of vehicles that had skidded off course or misjudged the snow depth. If you don’t have experience driving in icy terrains and harsh conditions, an Iceland winter is not the time to learn. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of responsible, respected travel agencies with multi-day tours such as Arctic Adventures, Troll Expeditions and Extreme Iceland, to name a few.
4. Stay connected. We rented a Trawire hotspot for our trip, and it was probably the best $10/day we spent. Our international phone data plan was spotty in areas and the car’s GPS was slow and outdated. The hotspot, however, was consistently strong, allowing us to navigate with the more accurate Google maps, and to continue planning on the go. On a safety front, it allowed us to stay connected with SafeTravel for information on weather and road conditions. (Through this service, you can live chat with an expert to tell them where you are going, and find out the recommended routes ahead of time. You can even upload your travel plan to their website and get alerts from the 112 Iceland app.)
3. Have a backup plan, and a backup plan for that. Flexibility is key to traveling during an Icelandic winter. Too windy to see that waterfall? Check out the geothermal pool or a cozy cafe. Build your itinerary with a buffer time and multiple alternatives, and be prepared for weather-related cancellations. When our snowmobiling tour was canceled because of a possible snowstorm, we had all the information on hand to quickly replace that excursion with an ice hike at our next stop. We also traveled out and back along the same southern route, so we had two chances to hit up any locations that might not have been accessible on the first pass. Staying up-to-date on the weather and road conditions also helped us to decide whether we should move on to the next destination, or if it was wiser to adventure longer in our current spot. The weather in Iceland is unpredictable, but with the right mindset and contingency planning, you don’t have to sacrifice your dream vacation.
2. Stay outside of Reykjavik. Many travelers plan to keep a base in Reykjavik, and make day trips to other locations. While that might work well in the summertime, driving safely in winter often means going slowly. You’ll have to hit the road very early in the dark to arrive anywhere by sunrise, and will likely be returning to the city in the dark. In addition to the safety concerns, you’ll be traveling the same few roads every day en route to your destination, and will miss out on the bulk of Iceland’s glory, much which is more than a day trip away. If you’re going to be in Iceland for more than three days, consider booking a second or third base in places like Vik, Selfoss and Jokulsarlon. (BONUS: Being further away from urban light pollution will also enhance your chances of seeing the Northern Lights.)
If you do go this recommended outside of Reykjavik route, be sure to plan and book early. While the winter crowds are much thinner than in the summertime, the towns are tiny as you advance along the southern coast and there are limited accommodations.
1. Budget accordingly. If you’re traveling to Iceland from North America in the winter, you’ve hopefully landed one of the fabulous flight deals offered through Icelandair. But before you celebrate your savings, be aware that the rest of your trip is still likely to be pricey. Iceland is an expensive country, and the cost of staples won’t change much even in the off-season. This is due to a number of factors, including the difficulty of importing goods to an isolated island, some instability in the economy in recent years, and high tax rates, particularly on fuel and alcohol. As you plan your budget for Iceland, be aware that groceries are among the most expensive in the world, and that eating out for every meal might be prohibitively expensive. Add to that the cost of a rental car, gasoline, and tour activities, and you might quickly be over budget. Be sure to download a currency conversion app, like Oanda, to stay on top of any fluctuations in the strength of the krona (ISK), and start planning early if you want to avoid sticker shock. There are multiple ways to save money in Iceland from transportation to lodging, but many depend upon early and deliberate planning.
