Summer in Iceland. Travelling tips

WHEN?

Summer is a wonderful season in Iceland with 24 hour daylight from June until August. Many Icelanders use blackout curtains in this period in order to sleep, but for some it's just a matter of getting use to it. There is something gratifying about going to bed when it is still light -however, many travelers like to use eye masks. The season is short and in September, summer is over, although you may still get some beautiful days, if you´re lucky.

HOW?

Like the rest of the year, the weather can be unpredictable, and change very often. Average temperatures are around 10 degrees and rarely exceed 20 degrees. In some places, especially in the highlands, it can be very cold, even in summer; it´s a good idea to carry a good coat, gloves and hat in your suitcase,just to be on the safe side. Take light and comfortable clothing that you can put on and remove easily; it makes sense in the unreliable Icelandic weather to dress like an "onion" with several layers.

WHAT?

Camping, wearing shorts, climbing to the top of a mountain at three in the morning, do as much of the stuff you can‘t do in the winter! Enjoy the midnight sun from the north of Iceland, especially on the island of Grimsey. Walk and hike! Access to The highlands of Iceland is only available in high season, around early July to early September. It is not recommended to cross the highlands by rental car, but you can take a bus or enjoy guided tours.

Enjoy one of the many art and music festivals that take place around the country. In the summer there are many different festivals and events for everyone to enjoy. Some of the biggest days on the Icelandic event calender are: Marine Day (first weekend in June, all around Iceland), the national Day June 17th, St. John's Day, traders (first weekend August). There are also many festivals like the Secret Solstice (during the solstice in June, Reykjavík), Eistnaflug (Neskaupstaður, early July), Blue north (Ólafsfjörður early July) Folk Festival Siglufjörður (early July), family festival Hrísey (mid-July), Vopnafjörður Festival (late June-early July), steampunk Bíldudalur Festival (late June), Viking festival Gásir (July) Akureyravaka (anniversary of the city of Akureyri last weekend of August ), the feast of fish Dalvik (August), Gay pride and Culture night (Reykjavik, August), and so on ...

There is also a lot of animal life to appreciate! Puffins are easy to spot around the coastline as they make Iceland their home from May to mid August. Go whale watching in the south or the north of Iceland. Try to spot foxes or polar reindeer .. . Iceland is also a paradise for bird lovers.

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Iceland Cruise Guide. Enjoy your Cruise to Iceland!

Icelanders have always known that their country is beautiful, special and unique, and this fact is becoming more and more known throughout the world. The number of visitors to Iceland is steadily increasing. In 2012, 246 cruise ships docked in Iceland, which has thirteen harbours to accommodate these all around the country, each of which have very interesting cities and areas to explore.; small review.

The Westman Islands are an archipelago of about 15 islands and islets, situated in the south of Iceland. The largest island is Heimaey which is 13.4 km2 and is also the only inhabited one, with more than 4,000 inhabitants. There are a few museums you can visit , such as the popular Sagnheimar Culture Museum or the Natural History Museum. You can also climb up the volcano Eldfell, where you can still feel the heat from the eruption in 1973. Join a bus tour of the island or stay in the main town and enjoy the cafes, restaurants, shops or many art galleries the island has to offer.

Hafnarfjordur, a suburb of Reykjavik, is a small town that was built on the lava field that has elapsed from Mount Burfell, more than 7,000 years ago. The center has a small lake and picturesque views.

Reykjavik, Iceland's capital, is a charming town that has all the qualities of a capital without the crowds and noise that come with it. There are many shops, cafés, restaurants and museums located in the city center, and we also recommend you to visit one of the swimming pools, for a real Icelandic experience!

North of the Snaefellsnes peninsula, Grundarfjörður is perfectly located for visiting the region. This small fishing village is known as the home of the mountain Kirkjufell. A trip around the peninsula is probably the best option,if you have a few hours; you can admire waterfalls glaciers, volcanoes, beaches and possibly even puffins and seals.

Isafjörður is the capital of the westfjords, and has nearly 2600 inhabitants. It is a charming town, with shops, cafes, restaurants and hotels. The old town is made up of many wooden houses dating from the nineteenth century and it is lovely to walk down the main street. If you like history or fishing, the Maritime Museum is an interesting visit; also opt for the old hospital that was turned into a cultural center and offers various exhibitions during the year. The area also has many opportunities for walking and hiking.

The charming village of Siglufjörður in Tröllaskagi Peninsula, is a popular destination in summer. The population of 1200 inhabitants, living mainly from fishing and the growing tourism industry. The museum of traditional Icelandic music and the herring Museum are not to be missed!

Grimsey is a small Icelandic island of about 5 km2 which is situated 41 kilometers north of Iceland. The island is a popular tourist destination, with many travellers coming here solely because it is situated on the Arctic Circle. On the island there is a grocery store, a campsite and a few guesthouses, cafés, galleries and, of course, a swimming pool!

In Akureyri, the second largest city of Iceland, visit the small town center, Listagilið, the arts district of Akureyri, Akureyri Church, and then try the botanical garden, listagarðurinn, where you can admire hundreds of plants and flowers. A dip in the delightful swimming pool is required.

Húsavík is a small town of 2500 inhabitants located in the north of Iceland, best known as the European capital of whale watching. It is possible to see these huge mammals from May to October, approximately. Around Húsavík, there are many amazing places to visit: Myvatn Ásbyrgi, Dettifoss to name a few.

Founded by Norwegian fishermen, the small town of Seyðisfjörður now has 700 inhabitants and lives mainly from fishing and tourism. It is also known for its charming wooden houses, Seyðisfjörður is especially popular for its artistic activity. The visual arts center, Skaftfell, offers year-round exhibitions, discussions and performances, and many events are held here in the summer.

Eskifjörður is a small town of 1100 inhabitants in East Iceland, which gets its name from a fjord surrounded by the mountains Eskja and Hólmatindur. The village is known to house a rare collection of pebbles and larger rocks of Iceland. You can also visit Randulfssjóhús to learn more about fishing, the old mine Helgustaðanáma or inquire at the tourist office to hike in the area.

Djúpivogur is a small village in eastern Iceland, which has 250 inhabitants. It is a good base for exploring the fjords of the east. We advise you to go by boat to the island of Papey, where you will see hundreds of puffins and seals.

Hofn is a small town of 1600 inhabitants located in the south of Iceland, near the famous glacial lagoon Jökulsárlón and Vatnajökull National Park where many hiking opportunities await you.

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