Don’t let the snow put you off coming over the winter! If anything, it’s simply another reason to come and visit.
Seeing Iceland with snow seems like it´s wearing it’s natural gown. The waterfalls all take on a life of their own with meter long icicles adorning their sides, whilst the hot baths are at their most exciting when you’re in the midst of a blizzard. The simplest of hiking trails will make you feel like a polar explorer and the lakes form icy plateaus, offering an incredible sense of space and opportunities to go ice-fishing. The Northern Lights are out in their full splendor and the Whale Museum doubles up as the world´s most northerly pitch and putt.
The only limitation is that some of the mountain roads will be closed. But this shouldn’t stop you from getting to most of the highlights in The Diamond Circle. Plus, even if it does, this just provides the perfect excuse to take a tour in a super jeep.
The main restaurants and hotels remain open over the winter, and even whale watching trips continue til November. See the list of opening hours to see which restaurants, museums and shops are open.
Most of the time, the weather is mild, and even when not, it’s a whole lotta fun. In short, there is still lots of things to see and do in the winter in Húsavík. Whatever the time of year, Northeast Iceland is the trip of a lifetime.
Actvities in Winter
Come rain or shine, Húsavík has a lot to offer whatever the weather. Here is a list of activities that can be done in terrible weather or rain and don’t forget to check out the event calendar for upcoming events, Christmas markets and much more:
- visit a museum
- enjoy a hot bath at the swimming pools
- warm your heart and soul with a nice meal
- treat yourself with a relaxing yoga class, some meditation or a massage
But of course there are also many outdoor activities that can be done in winter:
- whale watching is offered almost throughout the year
- enjoy white scenic landscape from a horseback
- have a walk around town
- hunt Auroras by yourself, on a guided tour or even out at sea
- go skiing
- go to the extreme and do a Superjeep tour
Many day tours can also be done in winter time. Just keep an eye at road.is for the current road condition, see vedur.is for the weather conditions and make sure that you and your vehicle are well prepared. Good tips on how to dress in winter, what to bring along and how to plan your trips can be found at safetravel.is
Northern Lights/ Aurora Borealis
The Northeast of Iceland is a great place to observe the Northern Lights. The further a location is situated north, the higher is the likeliness to see them. Here is some information for everyone who wants to go out hunting them including good spots around Húsavík to observe them.
Lake Mývatn
At Lake Mývatn learn about the old Christmas folk tales with the Yule Lads at Dimmuborgir, or more innovatively, why not go ice bowling or take a spin, go-karting on ice. Mývatn is also popular for dog sledging with the National Dog Sledding being held each year in February or March. Also in March one can see horses showing off their most beautiful gaits on ice. Yes, on ice at the Mývatn Open.