Trish York
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Iceland in Winter
Who knew that when I kicked off 2020 travel with a trip to Iceland that it would be the only European trip of the year? As I raced around to appointments with some 30 suppliers in the capital city of Reykjavík we were unaware of the upcoming world shutdown.
We happily met with new partners and enjoyed the sights of this fascinating country - waterfalls, geysers, black sand beaches, hot springs and ice-covered rivers. Seeing Iceland in the winter is a special experience and I can just imagine how beautiful it must be when the white countryside turns green in the spring and summer. Don’t hesitate to visit in the winter though. In late January the temperatures were actually a little warmer than back home in Ohio. Even in winter you can enjoy outdoor activities just pack a warm jacket, boots, gloves and a hat.
We arrived fresh and well-rested after our flight in Icelandair’s Saga Class and were ready to explore the sights and sounds of Reykjavík. While the days were short the skies were sunny and blue. There was enough snow on the ground to keep things pretty but the streets and sidewalks were clear for walking. In the city don’t miss the unique architecture of Hallgrimskirkja Church, the Perlan Museum (for a great view of the city and a walk through an ice cave), Harpa Concert Hall, shopping on Laugavegur street and the Old Harbor. Once you leave the city you can head for the waterfalls and geysers either as a day trip or an overnight in the beautiful countryside. We enjoyed an amazing ride across frozen rivers on a Super Jeep seeing frozen waterfalls and even some wildlife. You can also see the country via helicopter if you really want a thrill. To see the wild ponies and black sand beaches head to the south, toward Vik.
A trip to Iceland would not be complete without a visit to warm waters of the Blue Lagoon. Just 45 minutes from Reykjavík, and even closer to the international Keflavík Airport, this can also be done on your day of arrival or day of departure. They have a luggage check as well as locker rooms complete with showers and hair dryers as well as a number of restaurant options.