It's been crazy hot and humid in Toronto recently. Are you planning your next winter vacation yet, like I am? It may sound crazy to travel to somewhere colder during the winter months, and I thought the same thing, until I went to Iceland. I would go back in a heartbeat. Listed below are four things that you'll be able to see and do if you travel to Iceland in the winter (my fave four, to be exact).
1. Glacier Hiking on Sólheimajökull
Glacier hiking is exactly what you think it is. You hike, on a glacier. Strapping on our ice cleats and picking up our ice picks, your glacier guide will teach you how to walk up and down the glacier. After mastering the stepping, you will then be lead around the glacier and into ice caves, as pictured below. It was such a cool sight, and to be able to hike on and inside, it was definitely something I'll always remember.
2. See the Northern Lights
Or the Aurora Borealis, as some may call it. This is such an amazing phenomenon to be able to witness. The best time to go to Iceland for the Northern Lights is from November to February. As there is less daylight during these months, the chances of being able to catch the dancing lights is in that time frame. Don't forget to bring a camera with a Manual setting to capture it! Remember, you cannot see the lights with the human eye (unless they're very strong). I'm a noob with cameras, so even if you don't know how to use a camera, you can check out my guide to the perfect camera settings to take the pictures below at Þingvellir National Park.
As I love food, you had to know this was coming. It's true - food in Iceland is very expensive. As long as you cover your eyes when you tap your credit card at the end of a meal, it's all good! With that said, the seafood there is unbelievable. It is just so fresh, and the Icelanders really know how to cook. I'd suggest ordering the daily catch, as opposed to a specific fish. As for meat, you will have to try a lamb dish. The meat from a Icelandic sheep is considered a gourmet style of meat. With so many things to try, I'd highly recommend going to a restaurant and do a tasting menu so that you'll be able to try a bit of both worlds.
4. Visit the Gullfoss Waterfall
Something I thought was amazing in Iceland were the waterfalls. They don't freeze although everything else in Iceland is ice. You will notice that Iceland has many waterfalls; however, the one that I think is the best waterfall in Iceland is the Gullfoss Waterfall. You're able to walk up right next to it, or hike up a little bit to see it from above.
Are you convinced yet?
