Independent and escorted holidays to Iceland during the winter months of October through to April.
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Daybreak |
Dusk |
| Jan. |
10:03 |
16:59 |
| Feb. |
09:13 |
18:11 |
| March |
07:46 |
19:35 |
| April |
05:55 |
21:10 |
| May |
03:50 |
23:04 |
| June |
24 hr. |
daylight |
| July |
24 hr. |
daylight |
| Aug. |
03:06 |
23:57 |
| Sept. |
05:17 |
21:35 |
| Oct. |
06:50 |
19:43 |
| Nov. |
08:18 |
18:03 |
| Dec. |
09:36 |
16:57 |
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| Glaciers and ice caps |
| Mostly located in the south, Iceland's massive ice caps are the largest outside of Greenland and Antarctica. Vatnajokull, the largest, is 8,300 sq km and up to 1,000m thick in places. Deeply crevassed valley glaciers are found on the fringes of the ice caps and reach almost to sea level in places. |
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| Rivers, lakes and waterfalls |
| Powerful glacial torrents continue to shape the land, carving spectacular gorges, while quieter clear-water rivers abound in trout and salmon. Typical of a youthful landscape are the many waterfalls. Lakes are plentiful with an abundance of trout and char. |
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| Wildlife |
| Arctic foxes aside, all land mammals in Iceland have been introduced since the settlement. Among them are reindeer, mink, mice and rats. 70 species of bird nest regularly in Iceland, including three that do not breed elsewhere in Europe. Huge numbers of sea birds, waders and wildfowl draw bird watchers worldwide. There are no reptiles and unlike other Scandinavian destinations, biting insects are rare. Rich coastal waters attract plentiful marine life such as whales, dolphins and seals. |
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| Flora |
| Only one quarter of Iceland has continuous plant cover, and only 1% is forested, yet the landscape is never dull. Abundant arctic and alpine flowers thrive even in the desert regions, among a staggering 500 or more types of moss. |
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| Touring |
| Most of the main "Ring Road" around the country and many minor roads are paved and can be travelled on by car or public buses. To visit the uninhabited highlands you will need a four wheel drive jeep, or to take a coach tour which includes such areas on the itinerary. |
| Cultural activities |
| Iceland's rich heritage can be enjoyed in the many museums, churches and restored turf farms found around the country. Those familiar with the sagas may find ancient place names that feature on today's maps, though few historical buildings remain. Many cultural events and festivals take place in the summer, mostly in the Reykjavik area. |
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| Outdoor activities |
| iceland is paradise for hikers. Its National Parks and Conservation Areas have marked trails but you can walk in many other areas. Horse riding and fishing for char and trout can be arranged at farms throughout the country, while sea angling is offered from many of the fishing villages. A snowmobile ride is a thrilling experience in summer or winter, and can be arranged at several locations. For water sports, why not try river rafting or sea kayaking or a boat trip to one of the offshore islands, which are teeming with sea birds in the breeding season. Scenic flights, operating from many regional airports and airstrips, are a wonderful way of seeing a large part of the island and can be surprisingly economical. |
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| Whale and dolphin watching in Iceland |
In the last 8 years Iceland has become the premier whale watching destination in Europe. There are several reasons for this:
- the reliability of sightings - most locations have an enviable 90% of trips encountering one or more species.
- the number of species - four species are regularly sighted in Iceland's coastal waters: minke whale, humpback whale, white-beaked dolphin, and the largest of all, the mighty blue whale. Sightings of orca, fin and sei whale and harbour porpoise are also possible.
- the scenery - the mountainous backdrop to many a whale watching trip is, in a word, breathtaking.
It should be stressed that no sightings are guaranteed, such is nature and it is still early days to draw conclusions about where and when a particular species may be seen. These are the locations currently offering the best whale watching opportunities:
Husavik:
minke whale, white beaked dolphin and occasionally other species (May to September).
Dalvik in Eyjafjordur:
minke whale, white beaked dolphin and occasionally other species.
Olafsvik on Snaefellsnes:
blue whale, humpback whale and occasionally other species.
Keflavik on the Reykjanes Peninsula:
minke whale, white beaked dolphins and occasionally other species.
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| © RTH Sigurdsson |
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Iceland
ICELAND WINTER HOLIDAYS
Iceland & Greenland 
