12 Must do’s in Reykjavik in December | Iceland
It may be cold out, and many of the roads are closed, but there are still plenty of things to do in Reykjavik, with the Christmas season in December. Also, many tours still run, meaning there’s still quite a lot to do inside and outside the city. Here are my must do’s when in Reykjavik in December.
1) Reykjavik Downtown
The main street, Laugavegur, and the downtown area will be fully decked in Christmas lights and decorations. Go to the marina (where you can also do the FlyOver Iceland attraction, and climb the Pufa with fish heads). Walk alongside the water passing the Harpa concert hall (don’t forget to take an inside look) and the sun voyager! Visit the Hallgrimskirkja church and Perlan museum (and if there is snow take a hike around the Perlan woods). Enjoy the Tjörnin Park of Reykjavik (don’t fall on the ice as I did!) and stroll around the harbor for some amazing views! Here’s a link to my Google Maps pins
2) Golden Circle
We went on an 8-hour Golden Circle tour by bus from Reykjavik. We first stopped at the Volcanic Crater Lake Kerið (a 3000-year-old volcano crater!), before we headed out to Gullfoss waterfall (where it was -15°C)! After lunch, we went to the Geysir area to see spitting hot springs.We ended the day in the magical Þingvellir National Park (Thingvellir National Park) where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are pulling apart at a rate of a few centimeters per year (UNESCO protected).
Price: €68 with GetYourGuide
Read more (or see photos) about the Golden Circle day trip from Reykjavik in this special blog post!
» Golden Circle: day tour from Reykjavik | Iceland
3) Ice Caving
Water running underneath the glaciers opens up tunnels within them, allowing visitors to explore the magical world inside an ice cap.
Vatnajokull, the largest glacier in Europe, is the most common destination because of the incredible sites surrounding it, which are accessible throughout the winter. Another place is the Skaftafell Nature Reserve. In December, the glaciers have changed from a mix of white snow and black ash to vivid blue ice, and they advance into the reserve, making a hike there short and easy.
Warning: After heavy rains, they often flood, which can compromise their structural integrity, and if that happens, the tour will only be conducted if it’s safe.
Warning: Because of the risks associated with entering an ice cave without knowing how stable it is, ice caving should only be done with an experienced glacier guide on an official tour.
4) Northern Lights
With just four hours of sunlight in the weeks around the winter equinox, you’ll be traveling during the best time to see the northern lights, with 20 hours of darkness each day. Two conditions make for a perfect view: high solar activity and minimal cloud cover.
Fun Fact: You can check the solar activity and cloud cover on the aurora forecast of the Icelandic Meteorological Office website. As long as both of these circumstances look promising, you have a good chance of spotting the auroras.
Fun Fact: Our first tour was canceled due to cloud cover, our second attempt had only a 1/9 chance to see the northern lights and we saw them! Talking about luck!
Price: €63
5) Lava Caving
You can tour lava caves throughout the year, but during winter you can look at the ice sculptures that form within them. Go check out the Leidarendi cave on the Reykjanes peninsula, Vidgelmir cave in the Hallmundarhraun lava field, and Raufarholshellir cave near Hveragerdi.
6) Snorkeling
Snorkeling is available throughout the year but is particularly unique during winter. The main location is Silfra Fissure, located in the Thingvellir National Park.
The Silfra fissure is located between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Glacial meltwater from Langjokull glacier fills the water as the tectonic plates drift apart. Because of the filtration process that the water undergoes as it moves through the lava fields, the water that emerges is crystal clear and incredibly clean!
We decided not to do this due to timing (and the cold to be honest!)
Warning: You must be over 16, weigh at least 50 kilograms, and be at least 1 meter 50 tall.
7) Whale Watching
December is the low season to spot marine life around Reykjavik but that doesn’t mean you can’t go on a whale-watching tour! The two best places for winter whale-watching tours in Iceland are Faxafloi Bay in Reykjavik (what we did) and the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Whale-watching tours leave from the Old Harbour and last between two and three hours.
The most common species is the white-beaked dolphin. You may also see the elusive harbor porpoise. We did not see those but we did see several Humpback whales and some seals!
Tip: If you want to see some orcas (killer whales) in December, starting your whale-watching tour in the Snaefellsnes peninsula is better. Leaving from either Grundarfjordur or Olafsvik, you will set off into Breidafjordur Bay to see these magnificent creatures.
Price: €80 with GetYourGuide
8) Glacier Tours
Glacier hiking in Iceland is also a must do in December! The Solheimajokull glacier and Skaftafellsjokull Glacier are easy to hike at this time of year. In December, most tours of this area are on-location so you’ll have to meet your group at the park.
Tip: We couldn’t do this as we did not rent a car so we were “stuck” with guided tours.
Langjokull glacier
In the Langjokull glacier, you can visit human-made tunnels: an ice castle with ice sculptures, and individual rooms.
Solheimajokull glacier
The Solheimajokull glacier is located on the south coast between Skogafoss waterfall and Vik. Some of these tours also include an ice climb for some added adventure.
Skaftafellsjokull glacier
The Skaftafellsjokull glacier is on the far side of the South Coast, located within the Skaftafell Nature Reserve. The views from this glacier are to be spectacular!
9) Hot Springs
Hot Spring: Blue Lagoon
Is the Blue Lagoon open in December? Yes! Unfortunately, it wasn’t open for us as the volcano (Grindavik) near Blue Lagoon had just erupted before our departure and was getting ready for a second eruption. Have to come back for this one!
Hot Spring: Sky Lagoon
On a 30-minute drive from Reykjavik (we took public transportation), you can find the incredible Sky Lagoon with its beautiful infinity pool overlooking the ocean. Opt for the 7-step ritual or just enjoy the geothermal outdoor pools!
Fact: Bar prices are quite OK.
Price: €66.21 without the 7-step ritual
10) Snowmobiling
There is a snowmobiling day tour from Reykjavik to the Langjokull glacier, which includes a trip to the Golden Circle. Blast across the fresh snow with your snowmobile! We decided not to do this as we wanted to have more time on the Golden Circle tour itself!
11) South Coast of Iceland tour
Tour Iceland’s southern coast and see its natural wonders like Vik, Black Sand Beach, the river canyon of Fjadrargljufur, Iceland’s largest glacier lake: Jökulsárlón Lagoon, Diamond Beach, and Seljalandsfoss Waterfall!
Price: €139 (price depending on duration, number of stops, etc) with GetYourGuide
Read more (or see photos) about the South Coast day trip from Reykjavik in this special blog post!
» South Coast of Iceland: day tour from Reykjavik | Iceland
12) New Year’s Eve in Reykjavik
One of the biggest events on New Year’s Eve is the fireworks set off around the capital. Locals buy fireworks in bulk and set them off for 12 days long (6 days before NYE, 6 days after NYE). Expect to hear and see fireworks everywhere you go especially on New Year! The most popular spots are Hallgrimskirkja church and Perlan. We went to Hallgrimskirkja church, the iconic church that overlooks the city to enjoy the most INSANE fireworks I’ve seen! After the fireworks show, we went to Kiki Bar (queer-friendly) to party!
Warning: Locals set off fireworks EVERYWHERE. Part of our group got hit by fireworks but were luckily unharmed. Please be careful as everyone is also drinking at the same time when firing off the fireworks …
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2 Comments
Tom
New Years eve in Reykjavik is a must! Spectacular fireworks!
Life of a Passion
Iceland does give the best New Year’s Eve Fireworks show! 😍