My family (3 of us total) are looking to go to Iceland for Christmas and see the Northern Lights. I am fully aware that we may not see at all, the clouds are bad, (perhaps we should go to Norway but I think that trip is not what my family wants), etc. Regardless of that, what would you do for a week+ trip - what would you see and can see? Blu Lagoon is a must, I think we can do the Golden Circle and the Ring Circle will not be advisable. Should we look at taking a tour for the entire trip (we'd want a top tier one), or what is available to see that's open in late December as we hope and hope and hope we get to see the Northern Lights once (and we will be hiring a tour for that excursion - please let me know what you rec). Thank you!
Posted by
NorthCarolina
1112 posts
I can't answer for Iceland, but we have MANY friends who went to Finland over Xmas to see the LIGHTS and it is VERY Christmas-y as they have Santa's Village, real reindeer, the glass igloos to sleep in. The reviews are always amazing and the chances of seeing the LIGHTS in Finland are very high. Just something else to consider. Many of our friends did NOT see the lights in Iceland - but you are right - it's always a gamble.
Whatever you decide- it'll be great!!
Posted by
Snohomish, WA
2798 posts
We have been to Iceland many times, but not over Christmas yet. We have made 4 winter trips though.
The northern lights are tough this time of year because of weather. It can be a real hit or miss thing.
You mention the Blue Lagoon, but have you thought about any of the numerous other lagoons? I only ask because while the BL is fine, there are others that are better, IME. Not to take away from BL, but just offering alternatives if you want.
The ring road is not really an option as the time of year and your short trip would make it nearly impossible. The good news is that you have time for Snaefellsness and the south coast, with the golden circle. If you have soak good solid winter driving experience, you may consider driving, but a tour would probably be best as the driving in the winter can be quite harrowing and the tour drivers are experts. Most everything shuts down on the 24th until the 26th or 27th, so you ,right look at doing a multi day tour during that time as the tours will have hotels/food arranged and you won't have to worry about that. I personally really like www.troll.is for tours/excursions as we have used them a number of times and they are excellent.
As for northern light tours, we like Aurora Experts as that is all he does, so really knows his stuff. That said, if you do a multi day tour, you may see the lights on your own as well. If you use AE, know that he is like the other operators in that they may cancel a few hours before the tour if conditions are not good for seeing the lights. He is very ethical in this and will not take you out if the odds aer not good. You do get a second chance with him, or a refund.
Posted by
OP
8 posts
Ty for the responses!!! What other resorts would you recommend besides Blue lagoon?
Posted by
Snohomish, WA
2798 posts
For other hot springs/lagoons, hands down my favorite commercial one is Hvammsvik which is about 45 minutes north of Reykjavik. Otherwise Sky Lagoon in Reykjavik is really nice too, and their 7 step ritual is a must, IME.
Since you want "top tier", have you looked at Torfhus in the Golden Circle?
You could also look at www.highlandbase.is and they have transportation available for an additional cost. You would need that in the winter though, as you will not be able to drive here yourself.