50th birthday - Iceland

You are way too early to book a trip in February of 2027.

Hotels, AirBnB, airlines will not be able to book anything until at most a year out. (Tours maybe a year and a half.)

My suggestion is to start reading up on Iceland and decide what you want to see. Learn about as much as you can. Then, near the end of 2025, start looking at tours is that's the way you want to go, and in the spring of 2026, start looking at hotels, airlines, apt's, etc.

You can use Booking.com to see what hotels are available but book direct. There are companies in Iceland that offer tours but again, their precise tours for 2027 are not out yet.

February is not a busy month in Iceland. You really won't have a problem booking things.

Hello,

I have just thought that someone had experience already to plan a similar trip before.

Has anyone stayed at airbnb as a base and planned tours?
Or maybe someone went with jet2holiday to Reykjavik with northern lights included in the trip?

I have ordered a guide book about Reykjavik - michelin green guide and also the eyewitness guide book about Iceland but the second one will arrive in July this year as it will be a new publication for 2024 year.

What kind of tours are you lookng for? Multi day" One day?

Here's are some companies that offer tours of Iceland:

https://www.odysseys-unlimited.com/tours/europe/exploring-iceland/

https://www.re.is/

https://www.roadscholar.org/faceted-search?query=iceland

There are many more but no tour company knows what tours it will be offering in 2027.

May I also suggest you go to the "Trip Planning" section of this website for tips on how to plan a trip:

https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/trip-planning

While it's generic for Europe, it will help with your Iceland trip.

As mentioned, you are way too early to book anything.

I would not postpone until February as it is the stormiest time. I was just there earlier this week for the 6th time, and 2nd time in February so can attest to the weather related closures. Roads can close, but also the thermal lagoons even just due to wind. We had blizzard conditions the other day and Sky Lagoon closed and tours were all canceled.

Reykjavik itself is fine for a night or two, but honestly you will see more and make the most of your time by doing a multi day tour. This would enable you to do glacier hikes, an ice cave, the various waterfalls etc.

We usually use booking.com for lodging in Iceland but bungalo is also popular as is Airbnb.

Icelandair often has great package deals that include airfare, hotel and a few excursions but that would not give you an apartment type of place.

IME, Lonely Planet is the best guidebook for Iceland as well as Iceland With A View, which has a bunch of very good you tube videos on how to plan a trip there.

Is it better to go in the end of November or beginning of January instead of February?

I want to plan multi day trips mostly to be able to enjoy more events as I think to go for 7 days only.

I would take note of festivals that traditionally happen in the winter months - they could substantially impact prices and crowds. The schedules for 2026/7 are obviously not going to be posted, but this website will give you an idea of things to plan for/around depending on which month you go. https://www.iceland-highlights.com/a-guide-to-icelands-winter-festivals/

As has been noted you can hire a tour company, book through Icelandair, or do it on your own. Plenty of great suggestions so far how to do that.

Hi,

What kind of clothes is good to take to Iceland at winter time to go out to the caves and see northern lights?
Is merino wool or thermal clothing better? Any good brands?

Gosia

Gosia--I take merino wool, regardless of what time of year in Iceland. I like the Bomba's shirts. They run short though, so if you have a long torso I would look at something else. Basically layers at any time of year is what works best in Iceland. I also wear my hiking boots, no matter what season. You want footwear with sturdy soles, something that you wont' easily slip on, and wool socks. You can get wool socks for inexpensive at Costco, Amazon etc. I always wear sock liners as well which help to keep my feet warm, but also ward off blisters. Pants and jackets should be waterproof, not water resistant. Rain pants are helpful too as those go on over your pants and you can easily take them off to get in/out of cars and buses. Waterproof gloves, and a backup pair. Trust me, you do not want to have to buy a pair asap when you lose one. I learned this very quick on one trip. A good fleece or wool hat that is not too loose or the wind will blow it away. I don't usually bother with a scarf unless I tie it so it can't blow. A small daypack, or a small ross body purse is good so that you are hands free. You do not need to worry about pickpockets etc there, but obviously I wouldn't put my wallet in an outside easily accessible pocket on a day pack, but that is habit for me to not do that. You will get wet at the ice caves, so make sure you are prepared for that. For the northern lights, you get cold easily as you are just standing around. Bring hand and toe warmers. Toe warmers have a sticky side, and put those in your hat and place them so that they are near your temples and that will really help to keep you warm. If you book with the company we used, Aurora Experts, he has warm winter jumpsuits for you if you get cold, and he also has chairs to use. He has hot cocoa and traditional Icelandic snacks as well. We had the best time with him and I highly recommend his tour!

I have noticed that Berghaus, Helly Hansen and The North Face have great quality pants and jackets which are waterproof.
What do you think about ski pants and ski jackets - are they any good?
What about Karrimor clothing - any good for winter in Iceland?

I have Karrimor mid ladies waterproof breathable walking boots - hope they are ok.
Also I have Bench sherpa fleeces and thermal underwear layers. I have managed to get merino wool socks.

Yes, the end of November will be much better than February. Plus the city will be all decorated for the holidays.