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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Petrol and service stations in Iceland

Since the economic crisis in Iceland in 2008 when the value of the Icelandic money weakened, Iceland became a more affordable place for travelers, pushing thousands of people to come to see why Iceland is the amazing country of which everyone speaks. A vast majority of travelers rent cars and go around the island, so we thought a little guide on service stations and gasoline in Iceland would be rather helpful.

You can find service stations throughout the country, except in the highlands of Iceland. Check your route and be prepared, you should not be driving more than 250 kilometers without finding a petrol station on your way. N1, Olis, Atlantsolia, Skeljungur are all service stations in Iceland spread around the country; their prices vary, gasoline and diesel are much less expensive in winter, below 200 crowns per liter (1.40 €). In the summer season,  you have to pay around 250 kroner (€ 1.80) per liter. You can keep track of prices on this website.

In some gas stations, especially in the Reykjavík area, you pay one price for filling your gas tank yourself and a bit more if you wish to have an employee do it for you. 

 

Some service stations are automatic -those at Atlantsolia, for example, all are, and will only accept debit or credit cards. To use these automated stations, insert your credit card into the machine provided, type your code if necessary ( not always), then the maximum amount you wish to pay for gasoline or diesel for your car. The machine will return your card at the time. Fill your tank, and when you reach the maximum amount, the pump will stop (it will stop before full if done). To print the ticket, you have to insert your credit card again into the machine.

You can also buy pre-paid cards with the amount of your choice, but make sure the petrol station you have chosen is available on the roads on your route. Usually, in your rented car, you have a map that shows where the gas stations are located all over the country,  but the pre-paid card doesn't specify which.

In Iceland, petrol stations are also places to hang out with friends; providing groceries, fast food restaurants, hot drinks, similar to the atmosphere at the Icelandic pool, people meet there to chat, eat ice cream ... In the larger service stations, you will have several fast-food chains available, a grocery store, a small souvenir shop and even an information point.

Useful links:

N1

Atlantsolia

Skeljungur

Olis

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Five winter activities in Iceland

In Iceland, winter lasts from September to April, even though the months September and October are considered autumn, and April springtime. In Autumn and Spring, most roads are snow free and accessible, except on the mountains (prepare yourself for all kinds of weather - this is Iceland after all). Temperatures range from 2 to 10 degrees at this time of the year.

In winter, from November to March, snow and ice cover the island, storms are frequent, and there are also some sunny days. The road conditions are difficult especially in the interior of Iceland, and some secondary roads are inaccessible, and so, we recommend you practice patience and prudence! At this time of year, temperatures range from -10 to +2, and if the wind gets involved, it does seem much colder! In the case of problems or difficulties during your trip, remember the emergency number, 112.

Swimming

A visit to the public pool is not necessarily the first activity you'd think of in winter, but in Iceland, it makes a lot of sense. Iceland is full of beautiful natural spas and hot springs. However, public swimming pools are also a unique experience. In Iceland, almost all swimming pools are outside, cold air and hot water combined are an unusual and surprising mix. There's nothing better than to bask in hot water at 40 degrees when it is snowing outside. The pools open all year round from early morning (weekdays 6:30 am) it gives locals a chance to go for a dip before work. If you don't like swimming, don't worry; the Icelandic public pools are also designed for relaxation and socialising!

The northern lights

To view the Northern Lights on a winter's night is a must! To see the aurora borealis, it must be dark, the sky clear and solar activity intense. To find out where the sky is clear you can check out the  Icelandic weather report on the website. To see if solar activity is enough to view the Northern Lights, the same site shows forecasts for the coming week, but we recommend you don't rely on these reports for more than a few hours because there can be a sudden weather change. You can get in your car and go Northern Lights hunting at night, or hire the services of a tour agency that will guide you to the right place.

To ski

Iceland has dozens of ski slopes stretching out to all four corners of the country.  The best-known slopes for downhill skiing are at Bláfjöll near Reykjavík,  Hlíðarfjall in Akureyri North of Iceland. You can also ski in Isafjörður in the west and most of Northern parts of Iceland and the East.

Enjoy the city

Many events take place in the Icelandic capital in wintertime which is especially great for helping one forget about the long dark winter days.  Enjoy the many festivals in Reykjavík i.e. Iceland Airwaves, the Dark Music Days, the Reykjavík Winter Lights Festival, the Food and Fun Design March, and so on! Visit museums and spend a lot of time at the cafe, and you'll soon become a real Reykjavíkingur! Egilsstadir is also a festival to celebrate the winter, Days of Darkness, and Akureyri is a lot of events related to skiing and surfing throughout the winter.

... Or the countryside!

Think outside the box, and go to the Icelandic highlands with a guide! Winter is a magical and mysterious season, why not experience it in a place away from the world? Wild and incredible destinations in winter are numerous (should I say everywhere)? Landmannalaugar, for example, is a pearl of the highlands of Iceland, situated in the nature reserve Fjallabak. Located at the extremity of Laugahraun lava field formed during a volcanic eruption in 1477, this place is known for its beautiful scenery and geothermal sources. In summer it is a popular place for tourism but in winter, fewer people go to the highlands (only authorised agencies have the right and the technical means to venture there).

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Húsavík at 66 Degrees North

Húsavik is a small town with 2500 inhabitants located in the north of Iceland. According to the “Book of Settlements”(Landnámabók), Húsavík was the first settlement in Iceland colonised by Scandinavia. This small town today lives mainly from tourism and fishing.

The wooden church of Húsavík is a little architectural gem from 1907. In winter, you can go skiing in Húsavík and also experience the Northern Lights. In any season, you can visit the museums in town, the most popular being the Whale Museum. There’s also the Museum of Exploration.

The famous Icelandic Phallological Museum (a collection of more than two hundred penises from varies mammals) was born in Húsavík, then in the height of its popularity was transferred to Reykjavík in 2013. The Fjúk Art Centre offers exhibitions and artist residencies. Hotels, guesthouses, shops, cafes and restaurants scatter around the small town. Húsavík is neither large nor the most entertaining town in Iceland, but it is a rather charming little place and deserves to be known.

Húsivík town holds an annual festival called Mærudagar, on the last weekend of July; the city divides into three areas and each area with a different colour. The people take great pleasure in decorating their neighbourhood with flags, banners and balloons pink, green and orange. 

It is a festival that brings together the people of Húsavík and  those who have connections there. One can enjoy a varied musical program, and other attractions take place near the port. In 2016, the festival will have its 22nd anniversary leaving the little town buzzing for days, like in the years before.

In Húsavík, best known as the European capital of whale watching,  you can whale watch from May to October, and take a boat starting from Húsavík where you can delightfully sail around the beautiful bay of Skjálfandi. There is so much to see! In particular,  you can observe Lundey Island (Puffin Island) where thousands of birds find refuge every summer.

If you come from the east and Myvatn, Husavik can be reached on the road number 85, much of which is missing asphalt. If you arrive from the west and Akureyri, you will cross the valley to join Kaldakinn on road number 85. Just before reaching Húsavík town,  you will find a hot water bath installed by residents( initially built to relieve a skin infection).  Around Husavik, there are many fantastic places to visit: Myvatn, Asbyrgi, Dettifossto name a few.

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Six waterfalls in southern Iceland

Gullfoss

Gullfoss, the golden waterfall, is without a doubt the most famous waterfall in Iceland. Located on the famous Golden Circle where you'll find Geysir and the Thingvellir National Park, these natural beauties are a must visit in the south of Iceland. The waterfall is 32 meters high, and the surrounding canyon reaches 70 meters high. Gullfoss waterfall is on the white river Hvítá, which is powered by the second largest glacier in Iceland, Langjokull. 

Besides it being a beautiful natural site, Gullfoss also has a troubled history. In the early twentieth century, English investors wanted to buy Gulfoss, which then belonged to the farmer Tómas Tómasson, for use in the production of electricity. The farmer refused to sell Gullfoss but instead decided to rent the waterfall; his daughter Sigridur who loved Gullfoss did everything to cancel this contract, even threatened to throw herself into the waterfall if investors began to build near Gullfoss infrastructure. After years of legal battles, the rental contract was canceled. Sigridur is considered Iceland's first environmentalist. Tómas's son became the owner of the waterfall and sold it to the Icelandic government. In 1979, the waterfall became a nature reserve.

Seljalandfoss

Seljalandsfoss is a very famous waterfall in Iceland, situated on the road between Selfoss town and the Skógafoss waterfall. This cascade, born on Seljalandsá river forms a fall of 60 meters. Seljalandfoss is well-known in Iceland for being a unique waterfall because you can walk behind it.  

A little further west, you can admire the waterfall Gljúfrabúi, also known as Glúfrafoss. You can access it from the farm Hamragarðar that is accessible from the road.

Skógafoss

Skógafoss is a well-known frequently visited waterfall situated on the Skóga river. Skógafoss is one of the largest waterfalls in Iceland with a drop of 60 meters and is 25 metres wide. 

According to local legend, the first Viking, who settled in the area, Thrasi Thorolfsson, hid treasure in a cave behind the waterfall. Legend says that local landowners found the treasure chest a few years later, but unable to grasp the ring on the side to open it, the treasure chest eventually disappeared.

Svartifoss

The waterfall, known for its long basalt columns, is in the Vatnajökull National Park. To get to the "black waterfall", you have to walk for 45minutes on a  well-marked easy path and along the way, you will find benches to rest. The return hike back is a little quicker because the road is downhill. 

In winter, expect more time and be careful because the path is very slippery; we highly recommend you use crampons.

Háifoss

Waterfall Háifoss, the second largest in Iceland, is located near the Heklavolcano in southern Iceland, on Route 32. At the river Fossa, there is a drop of 122 meters. You can hike starting from the historical farm Þjóðveldisbærinn Stöng, and after a three-hour walk, you will find the waterfall along the river.

Safety information for Icelandic waterfall lovers

The summer of 2015 has seen a rise in tourism in Iceland, and an increase in incidences involving visitors unaware of the dangers of getting too close to the edge of steep waterfalls. Yes! Icelandic nature is powerful and energetic, but also, let’s not forget to respect that it’s sometimes fragile too. There is still little infrastructure around the waterfall sites listed above. Pathways and fences are few, so please be careful! And remember! “no fence” is not an invitation to get as near as you wish. At Gullfoss, some pathways don't include chains and barriers preventing access to the most dangerous areas near the waterfall. Take in the lovely view of course… but don't let the view take you!

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