Yes, you can see the Northern Lights from most parts of Iceland, but some areas offer a better experience than others. The best places are typically away from city lights and have clear, dark skies. So, while Reykjavik and other urban areas can have a bit of light pollution, you can still catch a glimpse if the conditions are right. For the most breathtaking views, heading out to rural spots or even the countryside can significantly increase your chances. The farther north and away from artificial light you go, the better your chances of seeing a spectacular display!

If you’re planning a trip to Iceland from the US, here’s a bit of advice to make your experience smoother and more enjoyable:

Prepare for the Weather: Icelandic weather is notoriously unpredictable, so bring layers and be ready for everything from sunshine to rain and wind. A good waterproof jacket and sturdy hiking boots will be your best friends.

Respect Nature: Our landscapes are incredibly delicate, so stick to marked paths and follow local guidelines. It’s important to preserve the beauty of our country for future visitors.

Plan Ahead: Some popular spots like the Blue Lagoon or the Golden Circle can get quite busy, especially during peak seasons. It’s a good idea to book accommodations and tours in advance.

Embrace the Local Cuisine: Don’t be afraid to try Icelandic dishes like skyr, lamb, or even fermented shark if you’re feeling adventurous. It’s all part of the experience!

Check Road Conditions: If you’re renting a car, make sure to check road conditions and weather forecasts before heading out, especially in the winter. Some roads can be tricky, and safety is key.

Cash and Cards: While Iceland is pretty card-friendly, it’s still handy to have a bit of cash for smaller purchases or rural areas. But in general, credit and debit cards work almost everywhere.

Relax and Enjoy: Iceland’s beauty is best appreciated at a leisurely pace. Take your time to soak in the incredible landscapes, and don’t rush—there’s plenty to see and do.

Enjoy your trip! Iceland is a truly magical place, and I’m sure you’ll have a fantastic time exploring it.

Yes, there are several excellent blogs about Iceland that provide valuable information for both travelers and those interested in living in Iceland. Here are some notable ones:

1. Iceland Unwrapped by Helgastina:This blog offers a comprehensive guide to Iceland, covering various aspects of traveling and living in Iceland. It includes articles on the unique experiences, Icelandic culture, and practical tips for planning a trip.
2. The Blonde Abroad:This blog provides an ultimate travel guide to Iceland, featuring tips on the best hotels, travel planning, and personal experiences. It is particularly useful for those looking for detailed information on accommodations and travel logistics.
3. Bruised Passports:This blog is ideal for those planning a road trip in Iceland. It offers a 14-day itinerary, tips, and photos for driving the Ring Road, covering volcanoes, waterfalls, geysers, and the midnight sun.
4. From Ice to Spice by Ása:This blog is run by an Icelandic blogger and photographer who travels extensively around Iceland and the world. It provides a local perspective on Iceland’s nature and culture.
5. I Heart Reykjavik:This is the largest local Icelandic blog, run by Auður, an Icelander with a passion for her hometown Reykjavík and Iceland’s nature. It offers insider tips on Iceland and its capital, useful for anyone planning to visit.
6. Siggadottir:This blog is written by an Icelandic nature lover and blogger, sharing their explorations of Icelandic nature. It aims to inspire readers with stories and photos of Iceland’s stunning landscapes.
7. Local Adventures Iceland by Arnar Felix Einarsson: This blog focuses on sharing his experiences and insights about various adventures in Iceland, such as hiking, trekking, volcano tours, ice cave by the Katla volcano, Northern Lights and snowboarding, and exploring the country’s natural wonders.

These blogs provide a wealth of information, from practical travel tips to in-depth cultural insights, making them valuable resources for anyone interested in traveling to or living in Iceland.

When visiting Akureyri, Iceland, there are plenty of fun activities to enjoy. Here are some top recommendations:

Whale Watching: Akureyri is one of the best places in Iceland for whale watching. Book a tour and spot majestic humpback, minke, and orca whales in their natural habitat

Explore the Akureyri Botanical Garden: This stunning garden, located just 50 km south of the Arctic Circle, is home to over 7,000 plant species from the Arctic, temperate, and alpine regions. Wander through the tranquil grounds and marvel at the resilient flora.

Swim at the Akureyri Swimming Pool: This newly renovated pool complex offers water slides, hot tubs, a sauna, and more. It’s a great way to relax and experience Icelandic pool culture

.Indulge in Icelandic Ice Cream: Stop by the famous Brynjuís ice cream shop and treat yourself to a delicious soft-serve cone with all the toppings. Their recipe has been unchanged since 1939.

Go Skiing at Hlíðarfjall: In the winter, hit the slopes at one of Iceland’s best ski resorts, located just 8 km from Akureyri. The resort offers runs ranging from 500 to 1,000 meters in elevation

Hunt for the Northern Lights: With its northern location, Akureyri offers excellent opportunities to witness the mesmerizing Aurora Borealis. You can a guided tour or go on a self-guided Northern Lights hunt.

No matter the season, Akureyri has a wealth of activities to keep you entertained and immersed in the natural beauty of North Iceland. Embrace the local culture and make the most of your time in this charming town.

Iceland and Norway, both Nordic countries, share some similarities in their landscapes and natural wonders.

Fjords: Dramatic coastlines carved by glaciers are a feature of both. Norway boasts larger and more numerous fjords, while Iceland has impressive examples like the Westfjords and Ísafjörður.

Volcanoes: Volcanic activity is present in both countries. Iceland, however, has many more active volcanoes, including the famous Hekla and Eldfjall. Norway has fewer, with Jostedalsbreen, the largest European glacier, being the most well-known.

Waterfalls: Cascading waterfalls are a common sight. Iceland’s Gullfoss, Skogafoss, and Norway’s Vøringsfossen are powerful examples.

Northern Lights: Both high-latitude countries offer prime locations for viewing the Aurora Borealis. The long, dark winter nights create the perfect conditions for witnessing this incredible light

Here are some places in Iceland that are similar in scale and beauty to Norway’s landscapes:

The Laugavegur trail is one of Iceland’s most famous multi-day hikes, taking trekkers through a diverse volcanic landscape of rhyolite mountains, hot springs, and glaciers. The trail connects the geothermal area of Landmannalaugar to the birch forests of Þórsmörk, offering breathtaking views along the way.

The Katla volcano trek in southern Iceland is another popular multi-day hike that showcases the country’s dramatic volcanic features. The trek passes by the Katla caldera, glacial rivers, and black sand deserts, providing a glimpse into Iceland’s fiery geological history.

Like Norway’s fjords, Iceland boasts stunning coastal landscapes carved by glaciers. The Hornstrandir Nature Reserve in the remote Westfjords region features towering sea cliffs, abandoned fishing villages, and diverse Arctic wildlife. Hiking trails in this area offer a true wilderness experience.

The sheer scale and beauty of the landscapes found in both Iceland and Norway make it difficult to definitively declare one country superior to the other. Iceland’s volcanic features, such as the erupting Geysir and the majestic Goðafoss waterfall, are just as awe-inspiring as Norway’s glacial-carved fjords and mountain vistas.

Both countries offer world-class hiking and trekking opportunities that showcase their unique natural wonders. The choice ultimately comes down to personal preference and the type of adventure you seek.

Iceland’s amazing landscape might be a dream for tourists, but for startups, its small population can be a big hurdle. Imagine having a great app idea, but only a tiny pool of people to use it! Here’s the main challenge:

Iceland’s market size is tiny, with just over 350,000 people. This means a startup’s potential customer base is small, making it difficult to grow within the country.

This doesn’t stop Icelandic entrepreneurs though!

Some startups, like travel apps use Iceland’s unique tourism industry as a springboard. They can test their product with international visitors before expanding to a wider market.

Recruiting and retaining skilled talent is also difficult in Iceland’s small talent pool. Startups struggle to find experienced executives and scale their teams as they grow.

Additionally, the influx of tourists to Reykjavik has driven up housing and office rental costs, making it expensive for startups to operate in the capital.

There is also a shortage of high-quality, affordable office spaces and co-working facilities for startups in Reykjavik, which is the main startup hub.

Iceland’s remote location between North America and Europe can further make it challenging for startups to access larger consumer markets and build international connections.

Being Icelandic, I highly recommend exploring Iceland over 5 days—it’s the perfect duration to immerse yourself in our natural wonders and rich culture. Here’s an itinerary to help you make the most of your time and discover the most beautiful locations:

Day 1: Reykjavik Exploration

Begin your journey with Reykjavik exploration and start by visiting the unique Hvitsekur rock formation. Then, head to a coastal area renowned for its seals, providing ample opportunities to observe them in their natural habitat. Afterward, marvel at a majestic waterfall and explore the stunning volcanic craters, showcasing Iceland’s geological diversity.

Day 2: Golden Circle Adventure

Embark on the iconic Golden Circle route. Begin with Thingvellir National Park, where you can walk between the tectonic plates of North America and Europe. Next, marvel at the powerful Gullfoss waterfall and witness the geothermal activity at the Geysir Geothermal Area. End your day with a visit to the Secret Lagoon for a relaxing soak in natural hot springs.

Day 3: South Coast Wonders

Head south towards the stunning landscapes of the South Coast. Visit Seljalandsfoss, where you can walk behind the waterfall, and Skogafoss, known for its impressive height. Explore the black sand beaches of Reynisfjara and marvel at the basalt columns of Reynisdrangar. Consider staying overnight in the charming village of Vik to enjoy sunset views over the Atlantic Ocean.

Day 4: Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Skaftafell

Drive east to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where you can take a boat tour among floating icebergs. Nearby, visit Diamond Beach, where icebergs wash ashore, creating a stunning contrast against the black sand. On your way back, stop at Skaftafell National Park for hiking trails that lead to breathtaking viewpoints, including the iconic Svartifoss waterfall.

Day 5: Snæfellsnes Peninsula (Optional)

If you have an extra day and want to explore more, consider a day trip to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Discover dramatic landscapes, volcanic craters, and picturesque fishing villages. Don’t miss the chance to visit Snæfellsjökull National Park, home to the mystical Snæfellsjökull glacier and volcano.

Throughout your journey, be sure to embrace Iceland’s ever-changing weather and natural beauty. Each location offers something unique, from geological wonders to cultural experiences. Safe travels and enjoy your adventure in Iceland!”

Safe travels!

As an Icelander, I would warmly recommend exploring the incredible Katla volcano when visiting Iceland. Located in the southern part of the country, Katla is not just a volcano but a geological marvel steeped in Icelandic folklore and history.

Katla volcano is part of the larger Mýrdalsjökull glacier, which covers the caldera of the volcano. The area surrounding Katla offers breathtaking landscapes of rugged terrain, glacial rivers, and stunning vistas that stretch as far as the eye can see. It’s a place where you can witness the raw power of nature, from the expansive glacier to the volcanic formations that have shaped Iceland’s landscape over millennia.

Visiting Katla allows you to appreciate Iceland’s geological diversity up close. While the volcano itself is not easily accessible due to safety concerns and the rugged terrain, guided tours and viewpoints around the area offer spectacular views and insights into its significance.

For those interested in Icelandic folklore, Katla holds a special place as it is often associated with tales of trolls and mythical beings. The volcano’s potential for future eruptions adds an element of awe and respect for the natural forces that shape Iceland’s dynamic environment.

Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a photographer seeking dramatic landscapes, or someone fascinated by geological wonders, Katla volcano and its surrounding area are a must-see during your visit to Iceland. Embrace the opportunity to explore and immerse yourself in the beauty and power of Iceland’s natural wonders.

Hiking and climbing in Iceland during December can be both rewarding and slightly scary due to the extreme winter conditions. December is one of the coldest and darkest months in Iceland, with average temperatures ranging from -5°C to 0°C (23°F to 32°F) in the south and dropping to around -15°C (5°F) in the north. The limited daylight, approximately four to five hours, can make navigation challenging, especially in remote areas.

The terrain can be treacherous due to snow cover, ice, and potential blizzards. Trails may be obscured, and sudden weather changes can occur, leading to dangerous conditions. It is crucial to have appropriate gear, including sturdy boots, warm clothing, and safety equipment like crampons and ice axes if climbing.

Given the harsh conditions, it is advisable to undertake hikes and climbs with experienced guides who are familiar with the terrain and weather patterns. Guided tours often include safety measures and equipment, significantly reducing the risks associated with winter hiking.

Activities like ice caving and glacier hiking are popular in December, but these should only be done with professional guides. Ice caves can be unstable, and the risk of flooding or structural collapse exists, especially after heavy rains.

Despite these challenges, December is an excellent time for viewing the Northern Lights. The long nights and clear skies provide optimal conditions for this natural phenomenon, making it a sought-after experience for many travelers.

Overall, while hiking and climbing in Iceland in December can be a breathtaking adventure, it requires careful preparation, appropriate gear, and guidance from experienced professionals to ensure safety. The chance to see the Northern Lights adds a unique allure to winter excursions, making it a memorable time to explore Iceland’s stunning landscapes.

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