day tours from reykjavik in winter
At times we felt like we were on the moon or some Sci-Fi movie set. GIL202 Table of Contents Top 5 things to do in Reykjavik in Winter - Summary Planning Tips to visit Reykjavik, Iceland in Winter Walking on the Seafront - the Sun Voyager Cathedral and city center The Perlan Reykjavik's attractions at the harbour Other Museums in Reykavik #20 - Northern lights in Reykjavik What can you expect to see? The Best Reykjavik Tours | Guide to Iceland 5 fantastic winter day trips from Reykjavk | Icelandmag The driver made the whole day. The best place to crevasse the ice is at the mighty. Winter South Coast Day Tour by Minibus from Reykjavik - Viator What could be more relaxing than paddling through calm waters beneath Icelands Kirkjufell Mountain? It is easy to understand why as the serene procession of ice is hypnotising and the plentiful wildlife of seals and birds only adds to the wonder. Although there were only two of us because all the other visitors had cancelled due to bad weather, he went on the tour with us and so everything was much more private and you could rather learn about Iceland. This specific museum focuses on the architecture and lifestyles of the past in Reykjavik and has a variety of highlighted exhibitions and events held throughout the year, including showcasing of traditional craftsmanship. South Coast, on the other hand, is one of the most popular sightseeing routes in Iceland. The silica from the lava of the volcanic earths natural wells reflects sunlight in the emerging water and creates the waters iconic blue color, and is at a constant, tranquil 38C. We also do pickups from the following BUS STOPS : #1, #3, #4,#5, #6, #8, #9, #12,#13 and #15 in Reykjavik, since some hotels are located within traffic restricted areas. Icelandic summer is calling you for an adventure. Go to www.recreation.gov for specific fee information. Yes, puffins are often spotted in Snaefellsnes. Here are some of our top picks! This is a must. However, as the lights can only be viewed when the skies are clear, the tour operators reserve the right to cancel due to bad weather conditions. The square is transformed into a Christmas village that meets Winter Wonderland aesthetic with Christmas trees and more than 100,000 light bulbs. The management professionally organizes the flow of visitors to ensure that every visitor has an intimate, rejuvenating experience. tour guides in Snfellsnes Peninsulas waters, one of the best places on earth to spot orcas. 3 in 1 Bundle Discount | Golden Circle & The Secret Lagoon, Snaefellsnes & Jokulsarlon, Immersive 8 Day Summer Self Drive Tour of Icelands West & South Coasts with Waterfalls & Glaciers, 6 Day Self Drive Holiday in Iceland with the Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon & Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. Ready yourself for awe-striking mountains, odd rock formations, and wild beaches on your Snfellsnes trip. Geoiceland - Iceland Tour Operator. Day Tours from Reykjavik, Akureyri Dont miss out on four ancient lifting stones once used to test the strength of fishermen. The best time to see the Northern Lights are from September to April. There are an overwhelming amount of amenities to select from for your experience. Whatever time you visit, you can spend hours mesmerised by the luminous ice, and you could return several times and always be guaranteed a unique scene. from April to October. Programs take place throughout the park, with boat tours departing from the Rainy Lake, Kabetogama Lake, and Ash River Visitor Centers. If you find yourself reading reviews trying to find the best your company to book your Iceland trips with look no further! Evenly divided into seven periods, the narration of the museum highlights details that are often overlooked. Car rental Golden Circle (Gullni Hringurinn) Tours 26 Tours & Activities Bus Tours 555 Tours & Activities Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises 862 Tours & Activities Why you are seeing these recommendations Reserve Now & Pay Later Golden Circle Classic Day Trip from Reykjavik 3,473 Reviews Reykjavk, Iceland Save to Wishlist From $69.20 The first step is to make sure your credit card provider allows you to make payments in Canadian Dollars (CAD) or American Dollars (USD) if you have selected. The two hotels of the lagoon are Silica Hotel and Retreat Hotel; from unlimited access to the lagoon to massages, facials, and cosmetics using the lagoons refreshing elements, float therapy, suites with its own private and hidden spa, to a Michelin star fine dining experience. Orca tours depart from Grundarfjordur Fjord from December to March. Equipped with flashlights and helmets, venture into this mysterious underworld. There is no denying, it will be cold. 4 Day Multi Day : Golden Circle Classic Winter : Nordic Visitor If you do not mark a hotel or BUS STOP# for pickup, the default pickup place is BUS STOP #8. This allows park staff to make sure all reserved passengers have boarded and inform you of any necessary information. Our Snfellsnes Peninsula whale watching tours depart either from Olafsvik or Grundarfjordur. Gullfoss is one of Iceland's most famous waterfalls, and is easily visited from Reykjavik (Shutterstock) Gorgeous Gullfoss is one of Iceland's most . Communication with Guide to Iceland was below expectations. Voyageurs National Park offers a wide range of guided boat tours and ranger-led programs during the summer and fall, primarily June - September. The charming village of Arnarstapi is the best place to do so. Fagradalsfjall is not only hard to pronounce, but its hard to miss. Do you plan staycations that are full of family fun? The. Winter Tours in Iceland | Arctic Adventures to exploring some of the city's best museums! Waterfalls, black sand beach, glacier. Plan a day trip from Vancouver to discover the great outdoors, visit one of our neighbouring cities, or take a ferry ride to nearby islands. For example, while visiting East Iceland, the number of objectives is much smaller than in the east, south, or Westfjords, but this was to be expected. Picture glaciers and snow-capped mountains, frosty waterfalls, and steaming geysers. during our trips and we always felt safe thanks to Antanas experienced driving. The geyser you will see erupt into the sky is, however, not the famous Geysir, but one called Strokkur. Both I and my wife were very happy with the specs, handling, and everything else. All the necessary safety equipment included in the tours. Take a tour of the church any day from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and the tower closes half an hour before the general closing time. All ticket sales will stop 30 minutes prior to departure of a tour. Sure the Ring Road is the pinnacle of Iceland road trips, but not everyone has the time or energy to drive around all of Iceland staying in a different hotel each night. Snaefellsnes Peninsula is located about 156 km (97 mi) from Reykjavik. Jkulsrln glacier lagoon, 'The Crown Jewel of Iceland,' is famed for glittering icebergs, playful seal colonies and stunning views of the adjacent glacier. While most travelers know to expect the northern lights in Iceland during the winter months, they may draw a blank on other things to do. The Golden Circle 25 miles (40 km) away One of the most in-demand tours from Reykjavik is a 186-mile (300-kilometer) loop nicknamed the Golden Circle, a circular route around the dramatic Thingvellir National Park, the geothermal valley of Haukadalur, and the thundering Gullfoss Waterfalls. Related to that, not having the ferryboat booked in advance was difficult to understand. Best Winter Tours & Vacation Packages in Iceland | Guide to Iceland THE TOP 10 Reykjavik Day Trips (w/Prices) - Viator Iceland Tour Operator. I would highly recommend this travel co and this day trip. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund. Sounds a long tour but time flew with all the amazing sites. Flavourhoods - A Taste of Vancouver's Neighbourhoods, Plan your Pre- or Post-Cruise Stay in Vancouver. Our guide was highly informative and humorous at times. I would definetly recommend it! Join our weekly hand curated newsletter to have all the latest news from Iceland sent to you. The church tower provides a stunning, panoramic view over the surrounding areas of the city, including the impressive waters, and of Reykjavik. Around the corner is the legendary Diamond Beach where the icebergs sometimes wash up, glistening in the light in stark contrast to the black sandy beach they upon which they rest. Before you Go. Travel with a trusted tour operator in Iceland since 1983. It was a long, enjoyable day! ), 12 Best Apple Orchards in Michigan (for Fall Apple Picking! Voyageurs National Park offers a wide range of guided boat tours and ranger-led programs during the summer and fall, primarily June - September. I didn't see any USB or power outlets on the bus. The name geyser in English, actually derives from the Icelandic word Geysir. It was hard to pick where we were going to visit because you definitely cannot do all the suggestions that are given for each day. Trips to check out: Day trips are offered by Arctic Adventures, Viator and Reykjavik Excursions. The South Coast tour was amazing, it had the most picturesque views and several stops so you didn't miss anything along the way! The Golden Circle 26 Best Day Trips From Reykjavik Worth The Effort , the main highlight of the peninsula. If you are driving the ring-road around Iceland, this is a stop you do not want to miss and a destination you will want to include if you are planning a visit to the South Coast. ). Since the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon is essentially a large lake scattered with pieces of glacial ice, the area can become very cold, even in the summer. Then, resume your trip toward Kerid Crater, a 3,000-year-old lake made from a volcanic crater. The best place to crevasse the ice is at the mighty Snfellsjkull Glacier, which is visible as far away as Reykjavik. The cone-shaped mountain will amaze even the pickiest Instagrammer. The structure of the exhibitions provides a clear chronology from the colonization of the island to the present day. 2. He allowed us to call the shots on the trip as it how long we wanted at each activity, when we wanted to stop for breaks and extra time at lunch. The museum even presents the transition of the urbanization of settlements, all the way to the present day. The guides will provide their passengers with warm overalls in addition to spacious indoor cabins with heating, WiFi, and a bar. He took very good care of us and stopped for bathroom stops, food. If a tour is canceled by the park a full refund will be given to the visitor by Recreation.gov. This winter tour through Iceland's south coast explores some of the country's most beautiful scenery, stopping at the waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss, Skgafoss, and Gullfoss, as well as the black-sand beach of Reynisfjara to observe the Dyrhlaey sea stacks. All of these requirements should be communicated to customers in advance, by both you and MyCar, so that we know what to expect. 19 Reykjavik UNESCO sites. On our Snfellsnes Peninsula multi-day tours we book accommodation for you. Overall, we found the schedule to include, on those full days, slightly more objectives than can comfortably be explored in a single day. Regardless of the issues we've encountered, the trip was definitely worth it for us. This guide will help you discover several winter activities in Reykjavik - from glacier hiking (okay, so that is a day trip!) Pros: Too many to list. Nobody's fault. Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experiences start time will not be accepted. Breiamerkurjkull glacier crawls forward with intimidating force and weight, collecting in its margins glacial deposits of black sand and gravel which make striking patterns on the ice and subsequent icebergs. Don't worry, we won't spam you. Want to see whales in their natural habitat? I met some other solo travelers and we became our own group. Explore Iceland's snowy mountains and dramatic nature without worrying about driving on icy roads yourself. 10 Reykjavik Day trips. He was also prepared with crampons and ponchos should they be required. Great intersesting guide Anton who did not rush anyone on the tour. This tour was so much fun! Every hotel (as well as the car rental) went smoothly, and they were aware and ready for us. He was a lot of fun. Visitors may do this between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. prior to departure of a tour. Vancouver Day Trips | Vancouver Trip Planning Resources Northern Light tours Then your trip to Snfellsnes Peninsula needs to include a stop to explore Vatnshellir Lava Cave. will introduce you to the most beautiful villages and natural attractions in the northwest and west Iceland. We highly advise against swimming in the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon as the temperature of the water is around 33F (1C) and there are no facilities nearby to warm up or change clothes. Copyright 2023. Witness whales up close on a whale-watching excursion from the coast of Iceland. Otherwise, you can travel north to Seltjarnarnes, a peninsula that is attached to the Grtta Island Lighthouse. In other areas, such as the Westfjords, Latrabjarg, or Snaefellsnes, we returned to the itinerary, but always used Google Maps as well, to find interesting attractions nearby. There are also good camping grounds in the towns of Grundafjrur, lafsvk, and Hellissandur. Overall the entire trip was amazing, I would say both I and my brother thought the first stop was something special as it is not one of the waterfalls most commonly visited. The Golden Circle is one of the most popular day trips from Reykjavk. Paddle back in history aboard a 26-ft replica of a north canoe to learn the voyageur paddle salute, sing songs, and explore the adventurous life of a voyageur. Just to check in and see how we were. The tour covers a lot of ground, including a glacier hike on Falljkull glacier, one of Vatnajkulls many outlet glaciers, and a boat ride on the famous Jkulsrln glacial lagoon where youll experience the huge, floating ice bergs up close. ), 15 Beautiful Michigan Lighthouses (for Your Bucket List! Golden Circle Classic - Winter & Northern Lights. Beholdwaterfalls, glaciers, black sands, and more on a full-day wintertime trip to south Iceland from Reykjavik. Reykjaviks prime location in the northern part of the world fulfills a nostalgic feeling and completes the Christmas puzzle piece. Small group guarantee. The minibus was really clean and comfortable. Please send us a line at icelandmag@365.is. Guide Anton was incredible. The recently erupted volcano has created yet another opportunity for locals and visitors alike. Here are some destinations and itineraries for exploring the areas around Vancouver, all of which easily fit into a day. Thank you . Keep in mind that camping in Snfellsjkull National Park is not allowed. View 200-foot (60-meter) Skogafoss, one of Iceland's biggest . Golden Circle and Thingvellir Full-Day Tour from Reykjavik 2023 - Viator The event is free of charge, and the entire city is in on this anticipated celebration. There was also no issue with the tour guide in regards to times, we never felt rushed and he provided crampons which made the walking around much safer and easier. Dive right into the cultural heritage of Reykjavik at the rbr Open Air Museum. You can enjoy this wonder of Iceland from the shore or if you would like to get up close and personal with these ancient icy giants you can take a zodiac boat or amphibious boat tour guided by an expert. It is important to be mindful of religious services, concerts, funerals, and weddings; thus, try calling beforehand or checking the churchs website before planning a day around seeing the cathedral. Vehicle was very warm and clean, the guide couldn't do enough to make the trip fun. Minivan transport with free WiFi, plus central and hotel pickup and drop-off in Reykjavik included. Tour guide was very knowledgable, kind, flexible, and gave lots of tips. These exhilarating quad bike tours take guests through rugged lava fields, the black sands of the Krsuvk region, and up mountains where youll be able to enjoy amazing panoramic views over the Blue Lagoon and other fantastic Reykjanes landmarks. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experiences start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded. Refunds are given only by www.recreation.gov. From lakes to waterfalls, and geysers, take an eight-hour Golden Circle tour by bus from Reykjavik. Snorkelling is probably not the first activity people think of when deciding what things to do during their winter Reykjavik trip. As an Airbnb Associate, we earn when you book through our links. Privacy Policy | Sitemap | Stories, Armenia travel blog | Virginia travel blog | Hawaii travel blog, Arbr Open Air Museum Alisa_Ch Shutterstock, Iceland National Museum Ana del Castillo Shutterstock. Private Day Tour from Reykjavik, South Coast tour from Reykjavk in minibus, Golden Circle & South Coast. Excursions from Reykjavk - The Best 15 Tours in Reykjavk to exploring some of the citys best museums! I suppose I could do without the trip all the way to see the glacier if we knew the construction. The impacted ice on its surface has deep cracks, crevasses, and even vertical shafts, which are formed by the melting water dispersing into the fissures and cracks. The weather can be very unpredictable in Iceland causing plans to change suddenly. You can get picked up from Reykjavik, the capital city, and whisked away to the South Coast or Golden Circle with no effort required. Very good guide, very knowledgeable, Picked you up at stated times and good communication before hand. Albeit the delicacies on display are a bit unconventional to describe, they are part of the traditional Icelandic cuisine and must be loved for a reason: svi, boiled sheeps head, hkarl, rotten sharks mean, Brennivin, a schnapps distilled from caraway and potatoes, and blmr, solidified sheeps blood wrapped in a rams stomach. The summers are quite busy, however, the area around the lake is quite large and there's plenty of space to spread out, so it's unlikely to feel crowded. With the notes that I've mentioned above, we are very likely to recommend Guide to Iceland to our friends and family for our next vacation, and look forward to visiting Iceland and working with you again. We did, but there was no one there for 8 hours. Your email address will not be published. However, in winter, you may feel more comfortable, Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon in Iceland began forming in 1935 as the glacier, Many playful seals live in the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon and in the waters close to the Diamond Beach. What makes Snfellsnes really stand out is the celebrated Snfellsjkull Glacier, immortalized in Jules VernesJourney to the Center of the Earth. Witness 1,200 years of history at the National Museum of Iceland. Give yourself an epic wildlife adventure on our whale watching tour in Olafsvik where youll have plenty of opportunities to get close to puffins without disturbing them. 1.800.222.8824 Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon is one of Iceland's prime attractions throughout the year, offering a unique experience with each passing season. You can see the average winter temperatures below: Yes! Anton knew everything about Iceland and gave us amazing stories and information. 20 Reykjavik Wheelchair accessible. Walk-in ticket sales stop 30 minutes prior to tour departure. Programs take place throughout the park, with boat tours departing from the Rainy Lake, Kabetogama Lake, and Ash River Visitor Centers. There was no contact from your side during the trip. Spend your days exploring the geysers, waterfalls, and volcanic landscapes of the Golden Circle, and the famous Blue Lagoon, while enjoying the convenience of spending your nights in Reykjavik, and hunting for the majestic northern lights at . He gave us a lot of information about the places that we were visiting and Iceland in general. Both Snaefellsnes Peninsula and the South Coast definitely should be at the top of your travel bucket list. Having such an expense right at the start of our trip was definitely putting the left foot forward. Finally, the bus will continue to ingvellir National Park, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet and formulate the rocky cliffs, fissures, and dramatic, rift valleys. Cut-off times are based on the experiences local time. On this 5-day active tour, you'll get to admire the best of Iceland during the tranquility of winter, while taking part in some exhilarating activities. It is a once-in-a-lifetime journey, with ice caving, snowmobiling, and off-roading with jeeps, in addition to hiking. The harbor town of Stykkishlmur (the capital of Snfellsnes) has many pitches for tents and a service building with showers and toilets. Although the tradition is well preserved, most Icelanders simply gather around the bonfires to sing together. Shore Excursions. Completed this trip on the 21st of January. There was also an issue with having to pay a non-refundable 500 euros for insurance on the car, simply because we did not have a credit card. January 21, 2023 Day trips / Iceland Please share: Iceland is a beautiful place to explore! Private Day Tour, Fantastic day out highly recommend this tour ,the driver been really friendly and knowledgable ,the minibus is very comfortable ,wi-fi on the board and charging points for phones is a bonus ,plenty of comfort stops ,we visited 4 waterfalls ,the black sand beach ,glaciers and stopped in Vic for lunch. Share our passion for Iceland, get top travel stories & special offers to your inbox, Kirkjufell Mountain, Hraunfossar Waterfall, Arnarstapi Village, & Deildartunguhver Hot Spring, Kirkjufell, Djpalnssandur Black Sand Beach Day tour, Explore Iceland at night during this 3-hour kayaking tour, Ring Road Tour - Snaefellsnes & the Central Highlands of Iceland. Before all my photos + tips, here are my favorites to plan your Summer Iceland trip: Glacier Guides offer a thrilling trip to Icelands largest ice cap, Vatnajkull. Sign up for our newsletter! International Falls, If you have more time, opt for our expertly designed7 Day South Coast, Snfellsnes & the Golden Circle Self Drive Tour. Iconic Red Bus Reykjavik: Route & Map | City Sightseeing For activity tours like glacier hiking, kayaking, and whale watching youll need to meet us on location for tour departure. Chris, our guide, was wonderful! 1. View our Maps section for additional information about traveling within and around Vancouver. Again, everything was great but Anton was the best part. The Capital Cities of the Nordic Region - Life in Norway document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); We are travel bloggers who enjoy writing about the Nordics and the Eastern Bloc. 15 Best Things To Do in Reykjavik, Iceland in The Winter The hotels were all really nice as we had hoped and all the prepaid tours worked out perfectly. The charming village of. Explore Utah Valley. Best things to do in Reykjavik in winter Iceland Northern Lights Night Small-Group Tour From Reykjavik 2023 - Viator It's all begging to be explored! Arctic terns and skuas also nest in the area. A short communication from your end related to this would have helped. It was a great tour! As the glacier retreats, it continuously creates icebergs of over 1000-years old ice that are often patterned by ash from historical eruptions. With the narration of the experienced tour guides, you will witness sights of minke, killer, and humpback whales, as well as dolphins and harbor porpoises. Are you interested in? All rights reserved. Tudor. One great thing about Iceland is that there is no bad time to visit! From start to finish this day trip was exceptional. I would highly recommend the company. Jkulsrln is appropriate for any age and budget and is a guaranteed unforgettable experience leaving you in no doubt of why it is called the Crown Jewel of Iceland. Day tours and tours that go out of Reykjavik for 2-3 days are operated in minibusses that can . But it was the most spacious. However, the cold winter season usually is from November to March. However, winter is perfect for hunting the great aurora. He brought crampons for us to use and be safe. Hike up the volcano and marvel at the lava fields within half a day. Arctic Adventures. Season: all . This experience requires good weather. Voyageurs National Park Headquarters These tours give visitors a chance to experience Icelandic nature in a completely unique way. Reykjavik is a great travel destination with a lot to do and see, but sometimes you need to get away and explore the surrounding areas.